Email warns of ‘Khalistani’ hit on RSS HQ & Vidhan Bhavan

Nagpur: Security agencies in Nagpur and Pune were put on high alert on Wednesday after an email by a self-styled Khalistan National Army threatened multiple blasts at the RSS headquarter and Hedgewar Memorial in Nagpur, Maharashtra Vidhan Bhawan and Pune's Mayor office and civic authority buildings.The threat heightened security concerns across the state, especially at sensitive administrative and ideological addresses with Maharashtra anti-terrorist squad (ATS) and state and central intelligence agencies swinging into action. "Digital bomb threats, even if hoax, often disrupt public life and administrative functioning," said a top security official.The email sent from tamiae793@gmail.com under the name Tamia Edwards, was received at 8.56am on Wednesday and forwarded by Pune Municipal Corporation's IT support department to top functionaries of the civic body and senior police officials, who in turn alerted Maharashtra police control room. Sources stated the subject line read — Bomb Blast Pune Mayor MC Office.The message listed specific targets and timing — IED blast at Pune Mayor's Office at 1.11pm, Vidhan Bhavan at 3.11pm, Sangh headquarter and Hedgewar Bhavan at 3.11pm, RSS shakhas in Nagpur-Pune region at 6.11 am and 9.11 am. The letter stated key locations would be targeted between June and September.The inflammatory content began with "Nagpur Pune Goonje Ga Khalistan" and referenced 1984 Operation Bluestar, Operation Woodrose, and claimed Sikh youths were eliminated in armed operations. It concluded with slogans of revenge while identifying themselves as Khalistan National Army, a top intelligence official told TOI. Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar confirmed searches and anti-sabotage checks at three places.Nagpur police chief Ravinder Singal said, bomb detection and disposal squads conducted searches and anti-sabotage checks at different places like Sangh headquarters, Hedgewar memorial, RSS shakhas and Vidhan Bhavan in Nagpur. "No explosive devices have been found at any of the mentioned locations so far," said an official.Cyber cells in both cities have initiated a probe to trace the Gmail account and determine whether the threat is a hoax aimed at creating panic or part of a coordinated campaign. Senior officials appealed to citizens to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity.