Search operation launched after bomb threat (ANI image)
NEW DELHI: Security agencies on Thursday launched an extensive search operation in Rajasthan’s Ajmer after the district administration received a bomb threat email. The email claimed that RDX-based explosives had been planted at the Ajmer Sharif dargah, the district collectorate and the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tamil Nadu. It also warned that the bombs would be triggered in connection with the arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin, police said.According to officials, the threatening email was received at the Ajmer collectorate around noon. It claimed that four RDX-based improvised explosive devices (IEDs) had been planted at the dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the collectorate premises and the Kudankulam atomic plant. The letter also warned that the bombs would detonate upon the arrival of President Putin, news agency PTI reported. Superintendent of Police Vandita Rana said all departments were immediately alerted after the threat mail surfaced. “An email threatening to bomb the Ajmer dargah and the collectorate was received. Following this, the premises were evacuated and checked thoroughly,” she said.She added that the dargah complex was also cleared and a detailed search operation is underway. “So far, no suspicious object has been found,” Rana said. Teams of the Crime Investigation Department (CID), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), dog squads and bomb disposal units have been deployed at the affected locations. Security personnel from four police stations, along with additional forces, are conducting systematic checks using metal detectors as part of the operation.Entry into the Ajmer Sharif dargah has been temporarily halted, leading to large crowds gathering outside the main gates. The entire area around the shrine has been cordoned off and all incoming visitors have been stopped until the search is completed.Senior officials, including three civic body commissioners and station house officers from nine police stations, have been stationed at the site to supervise the operation. Police said a probe has been initiated to trace the source of the threatening email.