Security has been tightened at the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) received a threatening email warning of explosives being planted in the premises. The alert has prompted swift action from both the SGPC and Punjab Police, with anti-sabotage measures now in full force.
SGPC Chief Secretary Kulwant Singh Mannan confirmed on Monday that an email was received by the SGPC warning about the presence of RDX and potential damage to the holy site. He said the threat was taken seriously and was immediately reported to the Amritsar Police Commissioner and the local Station House Officer (SHO), who subsequently visited the shrine. SGPC President Harjinder Singh Dhami was also informed, and a high-level review meeting was convened to assess the situation.
Although the email vaguely indicated Monday as the possible date for an attack, no specific time or details were mentioned. Mannan stated that while the threat could be a hoax intended to cause panic, "we are not taking any chances." As a precaution, the SGPC has increased patrolling and vigilance throughout the temple complex, particularly along the parikrama (circumambulatory path) and galliara (the surrounding zone).
CCTV surveillance has been intensified, and all footage from recent days is being reviewed. When asked about the earlier SGPC decision to install security scanners, Mannan noted that scanning equipment would be installed at key points shortly, with progress expected in the coming days. “We hope to have more clarity within a day or two as investigations continue,” he added.
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Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar confirmed that the police had received the SGPC’s complaint and that a First Information Report (FIR) had been registered. "We have initiated a full-fledged investigation and are working closely with the State Cyber Crime Cell and other concerned agencies," he said, adding that he is confident the source of the email will be traced soon. The police have deployed bomb disposal squads and anti-sabotage teams in and around the Golden Temple area. Senior police officials have been stationed to oversee security arrangements and ensure public safety.
Reassuring the public, Bhullar said, "There is no need to panic. The email appears to have been sent by someone with malicious intent. It vaguely mentions incidents in South India and includes references to the Golden Temple along with other unrelated topics. Even so, we are taking the matter seriously and leaving no stone unturned to ensure security." The situation is being closely monitored, and officials have urged the public to remain calm and alert as the investigation continues.
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