Jalandhar (Gurpreet Singh): A threat message warning of possible bomb attacks sent shockwaves through Jalandhar, just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Punjab, prompting an immediate security response from local police and central agencies.
Officials said the alert was received via email and referred to potential explosions at multiple schools in the city. The message also mentioned Dera Sachkhand Ballan, a key stop in the Prime Minister’s itinerary, leading authorities to intensify checks in and around the area. Police teams from the Urban Estate police station, along with intelligence and security units, launched search operations soon after the email surfaced.
While the warning spoke of attacks at educational institutions, officials pointed out that schools across Jalandhar were already closed due to celebrations marking the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas Maharaj. Even so, security agencies treated the threat as credible and increased surveillance to prevent any untoward incident.
Sources said the email, sent under an assumed identity, linked the threat to anger over the killing of separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar and described the message as an act of retaliation. Investigators are working to trace the origin of the email and identify those behind it.
Meanwhile, security arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit have been significantly tightened. Though the administration has not officially released the full programme, BJP functionaries said Modi is expected to spend a brief period in Jalandhar, including a visit to Dera Sachkhand Ballan. His schedule is believed to include a short address, a meeting with Dera head Sant Niranjan Das, and discussions with state party leaders before his return to the national capital.
Ahead of the visit, the BJP’s district leadership held a preparatory meeting to review arrangements. Party leaders said the Prime Minister is likely to arrive at Adampur airport before proceeding to Jalandhar and that all logistical preparations have been completed.
Police officials said preventive measures will remain in place until the visit concludes, adding that no suspicious object has been found so far. Investigations into the threat message are continuing, and authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with security checks.
