Bomb threat sparks panic in Surat Mall
The VR Mall on the Surat-Dumas road was evacuated Tuesday afternoon after the mall management received a bomb threat via email. "Save as many as you want to save, they will be blasted," the email read, and claimed a bomb had been planted within the mall.
The police immediately sprang into action. The Crime Branch, SOG, and the Bomb Disposal Squad rushed to the scene alongside Umra police. Fear gripped the mall as the management informed everyone of the threat, with customers and staff rushing for the exits.
This incident, however, is not isolated. According to Surat's Additional Commissioner of Police, K.N. Damor, similar bomb threat emails have been received at 52 locations across India.
"The email arrived at 4 pm, claiming a bomb was planted in the mall," Damor said. "We immediately initiated a full evacuation and a comprehensive search of the premises is underway by the bomb disposal squad, Crime Branch, and SOG."
Asif, an executive working at the venue, described the chaotic scene. "Management informed us about the bomb threat and asked us to close our stores. There was immediate commotion as customers inside the store started running out. Police arrived within 15 minutes, along with the Dog Squad and Bomb Squad. There were roughly 3,000 people inside the mall at the time of the threat."
The fire department went on high alert and two fire engines and senior officials to the scene. All necessary equipment was readily available. Three teams with specialized bomb detection equipment (SCOD) meticulously combed the mall for suspicious objects.
No bomb has been found as of yet. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure the safety of everyone involved..