Jalandhar: Security agencies swung into action in Jalandhar after an email warning of bomb attacks was received a day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Punjab, officials said. The message, which mentioned possible explosions at educational institutions and referred to Dera Sachkhand Ballan, prompted heightened vigilance across the district.
According to police sources, the threat was sent via email and claimed that blasts could take place in three to four schools in connection with the Prime Minister’s visit. The message also referred to alleged retaliation for the killing of separatist figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Following the alert, teams from Thana-7 Urban Estate police station, along with other security agencies, carried out checks at sensitive locations.
Officials noted that all schools in Jalandhar remained closed on Thursday due to a procession marking the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidas Maharaj, which reduced immediate risk to students. Nevertheless, search operations and surveillance were intensified as a precautionary measure.
The email, sent under the name “Billi Hall,” reportedly stated that the issue was directed at the Prime Minister and not at religious figures or institutions, while explicitly naming Dera Ballan as a target. Authorities are treating the threat seriously and have launched efforts to trace the source of the message.
Meanwhile, elaborate security arrangements are in place for the Prime Minister’s visit. Though the official itinerary has not been made public, local BJP leaders said Modi is expected to spend around 40 minutes at Dera Sachkhand Ballan in Jalandhar. His programme is likely to include a brief address, a meeting with Dera head Sant Niranjan Das, and an interaction with the Punjab BJP leadership before returning to Delhi.
Ahead of the visit, the BJP’s Jalandhar core committee met to finalise arrangements. Senior party leader and former MLA KD Bhandari said the Prime Minister is expected to arrive at Adampur Airport on February 1 and proceed directly to Dera Ballan. He added that preparations for the visit have been completed and expressed confidence that the event would boost morale among party workers.
Police officials said security measures will remain stringent throughout the Prime Minister’s stay, and investigations into the threat email are ongoing.
