Mohali: Repeated bomb threats in the region are increasingly causing inconvenience to the public, triggering panic and anxiety while disrupting normal life. Heightened security arrangements, heavy police deployment and rigorous checking at key locations slowed routine movement of residents, commuters and patients.The situation turned more alarming on Tuesday when, for the first time in the district, a healthcare institution was targeted. A bomb threat email received at private hospital created panic among patients, attendants and hospital staff. The movement of patients, particularly those visiting the outpatient department (OPD), was significantly affected as security agencies immediately initiated precautionary measures.Police teams, accompanied by bomb detection squads and sniffer dog units, were deployed at the hospital premises. Entry points were sealed, and every individual entering the hospital was stopped for detailed checking. Bags, parcels and personal belongings were screened using bomb detection equipment. The intensified security protocol resulted in long queues at the main gates, causing delays and distress among visitors.Several patients with scheduled appointments, elderly visitors and those requiring urgent medical care faced inconvenience due to the tightened security measures. Attendants, especially those accompanying critical and post-operative patients, expressed concern over the uncertainty and procedural delays.However, the police maintained that patient care remained the priority. Superintendent of police Dilpreet Singh said, “We only stopped non-essential services. Utmost care was given to the visiting patients, and it was ensured that they did not face any inconvenience.”Officials reiterated that every threat must be treated with seriousness, even though previous bomb threat emails in the region turned out to be hoaxes. Given the sensitive nature of the locations being targeted, security agencies said they cannot afford any lapse.
