Panic gripped hospital following bomb scare

Karnal, Feb 22 (UNI) Panic gripped the civil hospital here today following information that bombs were planted in the hospital premises.

Superintendent of Police Shibas Kaviraj said a letter to this effect was found hanging over a dustbin in a hospital corridor, stating that five bombs were planted in the hospital complex.

The letter also stated that five railway stations and five trains--including Dadar Express--would be blown up if Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was hanged.

With no mention of the Samjhauta Express blasts, it said, Panipat railway station was also to be blown up but it could not be done due to ''wrong information.'' Police immediately cordoned off the hospital and started a search with help of sniffer dogs.

However, no bomb was found during an extensive search in the hospital premises, the SP said.

Meanwhile, security has been beefed up at all the vital points, including railway stations and bus stands in Karnal district.

UNI