Patna: A threatening email claiming that explosives were planted at Hotel Panache in Patna prompted a swift response from the local police and bomb squad, though no explosives were found following a thorough investigation.
The email, allegedly sent in the name of Yakub Memon, warned of 2 kg of TNT explosives placed inside the hotel. It instructed hotel management to evacuate all guests and staff before notifying the CBI Special Court, stating that the explosives could detonate at any moment. Taking the threat seriously, the hotel’s Vice President, Ellan Christopher, immediately alerted Gandhi Maidan police station.
On Thursday, a police team accompanied by a bomb squad arrived at the hotel to investigate the claims. Over a span of four hours, authorities conducted an extensive search of the entire premises, including all rooms, guest belongings, and security footage. Despite their thorough efforts, no explosive materials were found.
SDPO 2 Prakash Kumar confirmed that, after verifying the email’s contents, the police found no signs of explosives. He stated that a case had been registered under sections of forgery, criminal threats, and the IT Act.
Hotel Vice President Ellan Christopher filed a formal complaint, detailing the threatening email and the actions taken. “The investigation was conducted with great caution to ensure the safety of everyone at the hotel,” he said.
Authorities are now tracing the IP address from which the email originated in an effort to identify and arrest the sender. Meanwhile, the hotel has resumed normal operations following the all-clear from the bomb squad.
