kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : The wave of panic gripped Kolkata's Swasthya Bhawan, the administrative headquarters of the West Bengal Health Department, on Sunday morning after an anonymous bomb threat was received. The threat triggered immediate evacuation procedures and prompted a swift and intense search operation by Bidhannagar police and the bomb disposal squad.

According to police sources, a phone call was made to the emergency helpline at around 10:15 AM, claiming that a bomb had been planted inside Swasthya Bhawan, located in Salt Lake, Sector V. The caller allegedly warned of a powerful explosive set to detonate within the premises, sending shockwaves through the building’s staff and visitors.

Within minutes of the threat being reported, the Bidhannagar City Police, along with the bomb squad, disaster management teams, and sniffer dogs, rushed to the site. Authorities immediately cordoned off the entire area, evacuating hundreds of employees from the multi-storey government office as a precautionary measure.

“The building was cleared floor by floor, and a systematic search is underway. So far, no suspicious object has been found,” a senior police officer from Bidhannagar said. “We are taking the threat seriously and following all security protocols. The safety of all personnel is our top priority.”

Swasthya Bhawan houses the offices of top health officials, including the Director of Health Services and other bureaucrats. The incident caused significant disruption, not only to daily operations but also to scheduled meetings related to ongoing healthcare projects, especially those concerning the monsoon health preparedness drive and vector-borne disease control plans.

Eyewitnesses reported scenes of confusion and fear as alarms were raised and staff were hurriedly escorted out of the building. “We were in the middle of a departmental briefing when security personnel came in and asked us to leave immediately. Some people panicked and ran. It was scary,” said an employee who requested anonymity.

Bidhannagar police have launched a probe into the origin of the call. Officials suspect it could either be a hoax call or an attempt to disrupt government functioning. However, they are not taking any chances and are scanning all security footage, call records, and entry logs to trace the caller.

The police have also issued a warning against making prank calls or false threats, stating that such acts will be dealt with sternly under applicable laws. “If this turns out to be a hoax, strict legal action will be taken against those responsible,” said the officer.

Meanwhile, senior officials from the state government, including those from the Home and Health Departments, have been briefed about the situation. Additional security personnel have been deployed in and around Swasthya Bhawan, and a full review of security protocols is expected in the coming days.

The incident has also sparked wider concerns about the security arrangements in government buildings across the city. Sources say similar drills may be carried out in other key locations to ensure preparedness in the face of any real threat.

No bomb or suspicious object had been recovered, but the building remained under lockdown as the investigation continued. The final clearance will only be given once the bomb squad completes its sweep and gives an all-clear report.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging the public to remain calm but vigilant and to report any suspicious activity immediately.