Palghar: A bomb threat sent via an anonymous email to the Palghar district collectorate triggered tense situation even as a full-scale emergency response was set in motion on May 20.

The threatening email, received on the official collectorate address at approximately 6:23 am, claimed that RDX had been planted in the district complex and was set to detonate at around 3:30 pm. Although initially suspected to be a hoax, a detailed assessment by the Palghar police confirmed the threat to be credible, prompting immediate action.

District superintendent of police Balasaheb Patil, along with senior officers, rushed to the spot and launched a thorough search operation. “Our teams responded with utmost urgency. Metal detectors, bomb detection squads, and rapid response units were deployed to ensure the safety of all personnel and visitors,” Patil said.

At around 11:00 am, the entire district headquarters—including the collector's office, administrative buildings A and B, and the Zilla Parishad complex—was systematically evacuated. Government staff and visiting citizens were escorted to safety as a precaution.

Chief of the Disaster Management Cell Vivekanand Kadam confirmed that Quick Response Team, Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad, National Disaster Response Force, and Rapid Action Force were mobilized as part of the coordinated security response.

"All protocols under the emergency evacuation and bomb threat handling plan were immediately activated," Kadam stated. "This was not a drill. We treated the situation with the utmost seriousness."

Resident deputy collector Subhash Bhagde confirmed the receipt of the anonymous email at his office. “The message contained specific timing and details, which we could not ignore. As per protocol, immediate safety measures were taken,” he said.

As search operations continued into the afternoon, bomb squads sanitized room by room, while sniffer dogs and handheld detectors scoured sensitive areas. No explosives had been found as of press time, but authorities maintained high alert across the district, particularly considering Palghar’s proximity to high-security zones such as the Tarapur Atomic Power Station.

“Citizens are requested to remain calm but vigilant,” the district administration said in a statement. “Any suspicious items or activities must be reported to the nearest police station. Spreading unverified information or rumours can hinder emergency response efforts and is strongly discouraged.”

Investigations are underway to trace the origin of the email, and cyber teams are working to identify the sender.