A bomb threat poster discovered in the Shimla SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) office triggered panic and led to the immediate evacuation of the office and adjacent court complex on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. The poster, reportedly containing a hand-written threat in Hindi, warned of an explosive device being planted within the premises.
Following the discovery around 11:30 AM, a bomb disposal squad was dispatched to the location. A thorough search of the SDM office, the court, and surrounding areas was conducted using sniffer dogs and advanced equipment. The search continued for several hours, causing significant disruption to administrative work and court proceedings.
Authorities confirmed that no explosive device was found during the extensive search. The threat was deemed a hoax. Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and initiated an investigation to identify the individual(s) responsible for creating and circulating the threat.
The incident caused considerable anxiety among government employees, lawyers, and the public present in the area. Security has been heightened across Shimla, particularly around government buildings and public spaces, as a precautionary measure.
Superintendent of Police, Shimla, stated that the police are examining CCTV footage and questioning individuals to gather leads. The investigation is focused on determining the motive behind the hoax threat and bringing the perpetrators to justice. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in security protocols and the potential for disruption caused by false alarms. Normal operations resumed in the SDM office and court complex after the all-clear was given by the bomb disposal squad.
