Several post offices across West Bengal and a Passport Seva Kendra in Kolkata received bomb threat emails on Thursday, prompting authorities to evacuate buildings and launch extensive search operations, officials said. The threats triggered panic among staff and visitors, leading to the temporary suspension of services at multiple locations. Police teams, along with bomb disposal squads and sniffer dogs, were deployed as a precautionary measure.

In Kolkata, officers conducted a thorough search of the Passport Seva Kendra after the premises were cleared of employees and applicants. An officer said the building was evacuated immediately upon receipt of the email warning of a possible explosive device. Security personnel cordoned off the surrounding area while specialised teams began scanning the premises for any suspicious objects.

A similar threat was received at the Mahatma Gandhi Road post office in Howrah, which also provides passport-related services. Following the email, a large contingent from the Howrah Police reached the site and evacuated all staff and visitors. Bomb disposal units and sniffer dogs were pressed into service to sweep the building. A staff member said employees were asked to move outside immediately after authorities informed them about the threat.

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Comparable bomb threat emails were reported at post offices in Asansol in Paschim Bardhaman district and Katwa in Purba Bardhaman district. Postal officials stated that the messages urged immediate evacuation ahead of a potential blast, causing fear among employees and members of the public present at the facilities. Services were halted as a precaution while police teams carried out detailed searches at each affected location.

Police officials confirmed that no explosives had been found at any of the sites as of Thursday afternoon, though searches were still ongoing. A high alert was sounded at key government offices and postal centres across the state to prevent any untoward incident. Authorities emphasised that safety protocols were being strictly followed while investigations continued.

Officials also said efforts were underway to trace the origin of the threatening emails and determine whether they were linked to a recent hoax bomb scare at civil courts in West Bengal. Cyber teams have been engaged to track the source of the messages, and further action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing probe.

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