Bomb Threat Email Prompts Evacuation at Passport Center in Balurghat

Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Balurghat

A bomb threat emailed to postal authorities triggered a sweeping security response on Thursday at the Balurghat Head Post Office, where a passport verification center operates, officials said.

According to postal sources, a warning was circulated around noon from the regional circle office indicating that explosives — specifically RDX — had allegedly been planted at post offices across the country that house passport service centers. The message warned of a possible detonation between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

Upon receiving the alert, the postmaster informed local law enforcement, and officers from Balurghat Police Station responded swiftly. The building was evacuated, and surrounding areas were cleared as a precaution. Bomb disposal personnel and sniffer dogs were deployed to search the premises, including the passport verification unit.

Curious onlookers who had gathered near the building were moved to a safe distance through public address announcements, as security teams cordoned off the area.

Subal Chandra Biswas, the postmaster, said that the office acted immediately after receiving the advisory from the circle office. “We informed the police without delay and evacuated staff and customers to ensure everyone’s safety,” he said.

Bikram Prasad, Deputy Superintendent of Police (Headquarters), confirmed that a thorough search operation was carried out. “The bomb squad examined the entire building. So far, nothing suspicious has been found,” he said.

As of Thursday evening, no explosives had been recovered and no untoward incident had occurred. Authorities said the alert appeared to be a hoax but added that investigations were ongoing.