AMRITSAR: Police and the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) authorities have increased security measures at the Golden Temple complex after receiving a threatening email claiming the presence of explosives.SGPC Chief Secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan informed on Monday that an email was received by SGPC warning about the presence of RDX and potential damage to the holy shrine.He informed that the matter was reported to the police commissioner, and a formal inquiry is underway, adding that the local Station House Officer (SHO) was also informed and visited the temple. The Chief Secretary said that the SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami was immediately briefed, and a review meeting was held to assess the situation, he added.Also Read: Divided on FIR, united on water: Punjab assembly rejects CISF deployment at Bhakra Beas Management Board projectsWhile the email mentioned Monday as a possible time for the attack, the specifics were unclear, he said. Authorities are treating the threat with utmost seriousness. “Although it could be a hoax aimed at spreading fear, we are not taking any chances,” Mannan added.He said that the SGPC has intensified vigilance across the temple premises. Security duties have been reinforced around the parikrama (circumambulatory path) and galliara (surrounding areas), with personnel deployed to prevent any untoward incident. CCTV footage is being reviewed . When asked that the SGPC had earlier decided to install the scanners, he replied that the scanning equipment will be installed at key points in near future . “Within a day or two, more clarity is expected as investigations progress,” Mannan stated.Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said that the police have received a complaint from SGPC authorities regarding a threat of a blast in and around the Golden Temple premises. Following this, an FIR has been registered, and investigations have been initiated.“We have also sought assistance from the State Cyber Crime Cell and other concerned agencies, and I am confident that we will trace the origin of this case soon,” Bhullar stated.Security in the area has been significantly heightened. Bomb disposal squads and anti-sabotage teams have been deployed, and senior officials have been assigned to ensure foolproof security, he said.“I want to reassure the public that there is no need to panic. The content of the email appears to be the work of a mischievous element. It makes vague references to incidents in South India and includes a mention of the Golden Temple among other unrelated topics. Nonetheless, we are treating the matter seriously and are committed to ensuring full security. We will get to the bottom of this soon,” he added.
