Nagpur: An anonymous email warning of 16 cyanide and nerve gas-filled bombs mounted on drones having been planted at key thermal power plants across Maharashtra, including Koradi, Khaparkheda, Akola, and Bhusawal, sparked alarm on Tuesday. The mailer claimed the bombs would explode post afternoon prayers to protest atrocities against women in Tamil Nadu.The email, sent to plant officials, urged immediate evacuation and also included a politically charged message.Soon after being alerted, Nagpur police and district administration responded swiftly. Police and intelligence agencies launched a massive security operation and deployed armed personnel and intensified checks at all entry points. Bomb disposal squads, drone surveillance units and quick-response teams were stationed at the plants, while access was restricted to essential staff following strict screening. Sources said Koradi thermal power station received the email around 10.30am, while Khaparkheda got it in the evening. “We are on alert though the email seemed to be a hoax intended to create panic,” said a senior official.The message, sent from neeraaja_gandhi@outlook.com, read ‘Power station mein drone ki madad se cyanide/nerve gas se bhare 16 bomb lagaye gaye hain. Sabhi karmchariyon ko wahan se nikal lo!’ The e-mail was addressed to Koradi power station staff and included a lengthy political rant, with allegations about women being raped, emergency etc.The email also vaguely referenced similar past threats to Vidhan Bhavan and Reserve Bank of India in Mumbai.Cyber police have begun tracing the origin of the email, with preliminary findings suggesting links to southern India. Authorities are coordinating with other states as part of the technical investigation.Officials stressed that the power plants remain fully operational under heightened vigilance. A case has been registered under relevant laws, and investigations are on, though no terror link has been established so far. As no explosive devices or drones have been found during initial sweeps, senior officers described the email as possible mischief aimed at creating fear.“Koradi and Khaparkheda plants supply electricity to Maharashtra’s industrial belt. Any disruption could affect power supply across Vidarbha,” said an official.
