Bomb Threat at Patna Sahib Gurdwara; Police Suspect Hoax

Security has been intensified at the Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib in Patna after the historic Sikh shrine received a bomb threat via email on Monday evening, officials said on Tuesday.

Patna East SP Parichay Kumar confirmed that the mail claimed explosives had been planted within the premises. Acting promptly, police deployed additional forces, along with bomb disposal and dog squads, to search the gurdwara complex. "No suspicious object has been found so far. Prima facie, the mail appears to be a hoax. A case has been registered, and the Cyber Cell is tracing the origin of the mail," Kumar said.

Despite no explosives being recovered, security arrangements around the gurdwara have been tightened to ensure the safety of devotees and staff. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.

The Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib, commonly known as Patna Sahib gurdwara, holds immense religious significance in Sikhism. Built in the 18th century by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, the shrine marks the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, who was born in Patna in 1666 and spent his early years there before moving to Anandpur Sahib. It is one of the five takhts - seats of authority - in Sikhism.

While the threat is believed to be a hoax, police said investigations are underway to identify those responsible for sending the email.