Just Before PM Modi’s Himachal Visit, Bomb Threat at Nerchowk Medical College Triggers Evacuation

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Himachal Pradesh, two hospitals received bomb threats via e-mail, which created widespread panic at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College and Hospital in Nerchowk and at Chamba Medical College in Mandi district today.

Following the alert, the administration evacuated both campuses. OPD services at Nerchowk were shut, and classes were suspended for the day. The principal reportedly received the e-mail at 3:30 a.m., and the SDM of Balh, Smritika Negi, was informed at 10:30 a.m., after which security agencies swung into action. The e-mail, traced to Tamil Nadu, notably did not mention Nerchowk Medical College by name.

More than 300 patients were moved outside, many waiting on stretchers and wheelchairs under trees away from the hospital building. Fire department teams, Mandi’s Quick Reaction Team and a bomb disposal squad reached the site, and a full search of the premises is under way. According to officials, the e-mail explicitly threatened to blow up the entire hospital premises with a bomb, sparking panic among staff and patients alike.

Panic Erupts After Bomb Threat

The college principal received the threat to blow up the hospital premises via e-mail. Upon learning of the e-mail in the morning, the medical college and hospital premises were evacuated. Teams from the administration and police reached the spot. On Tuesday morning, when Principal D.K. Verma reached the college, he saw the threatening mail in his e-mail. He informed the police and administration about it. As a precaution, the process of evacuating the college was started immediately.

Vehicles Parked Also Moved Out

The four-story building of Nerchowk Medical College has been completely closed. Police, QRT, the fire department as well as other personnel have been deployed for its search, and the help of sniffer dogs is also being taken. Vehicles parked in the hospital premises and parking lot have also been moved out. Patients will also have to remain outside the hospital until the search operation is completed.

More Than 300 Patients Under Treatment

Currently, more than 300 patients are under treatment at Nerchowk Medical College and Hospital. In addition, more than a thousand OPD patients come here daily. Amid the bomb threat, the patients too have had to face inconvenience.

Bomb Threats Have Been Received Before Too

It should be noted that earlier as well, threats to blow up with bombs had been received at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Mandi, the State Secretariat in Shimla, and various district Deputy Commissioners’ offices. At that time, nothing was found. So far, the police have not found any clues.