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Bomb Threat at Nerchowk Medical College Causes Stir Ahead of PM Modi’s Visit to Himachal Pradesh; Campus Evacuated, Search Underway
All departments of the hospital, including emergency services, were temporarily shut down during the evacuation.
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Himachal Pradesh, panic spread today at the Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Government Medical College in Nerchowk, Mandi district, after a bomb threat was received via email. Following the alert, authorities swiftly evacuated the entire college campus—including wards, outpatient departments, administrative offices, and student hostels—as a precautionary measure.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Kangra to assess the extensive damage caused by recent heavy rainfall in the state.
According to Smritika Negi, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Balh, the medical college administration received the bomb threat email earlier in the day. Acting immediately, they informed the local police and district administration, prompting emergency protocols to be activated without delay.
SDM Negi stated, “The safety of patients, their attendants, students, and medical staff was our top priority. As soon as the information was received, police teams reached the site and evacuated the campus. A thorough search operation is currently ongoing.”
Security personnel, including bomb disposal squads and sniffer dogs, have cordoned off the area and are conducting detailed inspections across the premises. All departments of the hospital, including emergency services, were temporarily shut down during the evacuation.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the authenticity of the threat but are treating the matter with utmost seriousness. No suspicious object has been found so far, and the search is expected to continue until the area is declared completely safe.
Efforts are also underway to trace the source of the threatening email, with cybercrime teams involved in the investigation.
While there have been no reports of injuries or damage, the incident has caused considerable anxiety among patients and hospital staff. Many were seen waiting outside the campus, anxious to know when services would resume.
The local administration has urged the public to remain calm and reassured them that all necessary safety protocols are being followed.
Further updates are awaited as the search and investigation continue.
