Dhanbad, July 15 (IANS) A high alert was issued on Wednesday after the Main Post Office in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad and the Regional Passport Office operating from the same premises received a bomb threat through an anonymous email, officials said.

Following the threat, police immediately evacuated the entire complex and launched a thorough search operation with the assistance of the bomb disposal squad and dog squad.

According to police, the threat email claimed that explosions would take place at the Main Post Office and Passport Office at 1.15 p.m. The message also contained objectionable religious remarks and called for the removal of members of a particular community.

Security agencies are examining the language, source, and credibility of the email as part of the investigation.

Soon after the threat was received, teams from Dhanbad police and other security agencies rushed to the site. As a precautionary measure, all employees and visitors present in the Post Office and Passport Office were safely evacuated.

Authorities also cleared the nearby BSNL office and the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) office adjoining the premises to prevent any potential loss of life in case of an emergency.

Senior police officials remained at the spot to monitor the situation. Bomb disposal experts and dog squads carried out an intensive search of the entire complex, while surrounding areas were also combed and suspicious objects examined.

Till the filing of this report, no explosive material had been officially detected.

Security in and around the area has been tightened following the incident. Police have restricted public movement near the premises and established a security cordon.

The cyber cell has also been roped into the investigation to trace the origin of the threatening email, including the IP address or server from which it was sent, and to determine whether any individual, group or organisation was involved.

Police officials said the matter was being treated with utmost seriousness and that all aspects of the case were under investigation.

They appealed to the public not to pay heed to rumours and to immediately inform authorities about any suspicious activity. Security agencies continue to monitor the situation closely as the investigation progresses.

–IANS

snc/skp/vd