Munish Sood
MANDI:
A major security alert was sounded in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday (September 9, 2025), just hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled arrival, after bomb scare was reported at the medical colleges at Nerchowk (Mandi) and Chamba.
At Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College, Nerchowk, the authorities said the Principal received an email threatening the “presence of RDX on the campus”. Though no explosives were found during an extensive search, the entire hospital was evacuated as a precautionary measure. Patients, doctors, staff and students were moved out, creating panic across the premises.
Though the email did not directly name the institution, the authorities treated the matter seriously as the Principal was tagged in the communication. Following the alert, classes were suspended, patients were evacuated from the hospital wards and emergency services alone were kept operational.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Smrutika Negi confirmed the developments. “As soon as the information came to my notice, immediate precautionary measures were taken. The hospital and college premises were vacated, bomb disposal and dog squads were called in and a thorough search operation was launched,” she said.
Police and security agencies cordoned off the area to prevent any untoward incident. The bomb disposal squad and dog squad conducted extensive checks of the premises, but no explosives were found till the time of reporting.
The threatening email reportedly contained allegations and references to unrelated issues, including political controversies in Tamil Nadu, before claiming that four RDX bombs had been planted. The authorities suspect it could be a hoax email designed to create panic.
Meanwhile, patients and their attendants faced difficulties due to the sudden evacuation, but hospital management assured that emergency and critical care services continued without interruption.
Officials said cyber teams are tracking the origin of the email, and the matter is under active investigation. “Public safety is our first priority. The college will function normally once the security clearance is given,” officials stated.
Incident coincides with PM’s visit
The scare comes on a day when Prime Minister Modi is visiting Himachal Pradesh to assess the widespread devastation caused by torrential rains and flashfloods. His itinerary includes an aerial survey of affected areas in Chamba, Mandi and Kullu, followed by a review meeting with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and senior officials.
The state government has pegged the losses at over Rs 5,000 crore and is expected to seek a special relief package from the Centre. CM Sukhu is also likely to raise demands for policy relaxations, including amendments to the Forest Rights Act and revised norms for road construction in hilly terrain.
Security tightened across the region
The RDX scare has further tightened security arrangements already in place for the Prime Minister’s visit. Over 400 police personnel have been deployed across Kangra, Mandi and adjoining districts. Gaggal Airport has been declared a no-fly zone between noon and 4 p.m., and a temporary ban has been imposed on paragliding.
Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur have reached Dharamshala to join the high-level review meeting with the Prime Minister.
Police officials said cyber teams are investigating the origin of the threatening email, which may have been intended to create panic ahead of the high-profile visit.
