Punjab on High Alert After Blast Threat Targets Railway Track, Airport Parking; Schools Evacuated in Ludhiana & Sangrur

May 18, 2026

A bomb threat email triggered panic at Bal Bharti Public School in Ludhiana on Thursday morning, forcing immediate security action by police and school authorities. The message claimed the presence of explosives on the campus and warned of a possible blast, leading to swift evacuation measures and heightened alert across the premises.

Students, teachers, and staff were moved to safe zones as a precaution while the school administration informed the local police control room. The incident came at a time when examinations were already underway, increasing concern among parents and authorities.

Immediate Police Response and Evacuation

Following the alert, police teams rushed to the school campus along with bomb disposal squads and dog squads. The entire school building, including classrooms, corridors, and open areas, was thoroughly checked.

Authorities ensured that students were safely evacuated and gathered at secure locations outside the building. Traffic movement around the school was also temporarily restricted to maintain security and avoid panic among the public.

Senior police officials stated that standard operating procedures were followed immediately after receiving the threat, including evacuation, cordoning off the area, and conducting a detailed search operation.

Search Operation Underway

A full-scale search operation was launched inside the school premises to verify the authenticity of the threat. Bomb disposal experts inspected classrooms, examination halls, laboratories, and administrative blocks.

After initial checks, no suspicious object or explosive material was found. However, security forces continued their inspection to ensure complete safety before allowing normal activities to resume.

Cybercrime units have also begun tracing the origin of the email to determine whether it is a hoax or part of a larger pattern of threat messages being sent to institutions across Punjab.

Exams Continue Under Security Cover

Despite the disruption caused by the threat, school authorities decided to continue ongoing examinations under strict police supervision. Students were allowed to return to exam halls once initial clearance was given in certain areas.

Teachers and invigilators remained alert, while police personnel were deployed at entry and exit points to maintain order. Parents were informed about the situation and advised not to panic.

Growing Concern Over Hoax Threats

This incident adds to a growing number of similar bomb threats received by schools in Punjab and other parts of the country in recent months. Most of these alerts have later been declared hoaxes, but they continue to cause fear, disruption, and operational challenges for schools and law enforcement agencies.

Authorities have reiterated that strict action will be taken against those responsible for spreading panic through fake threats, and investigations are ongoing to identify the source of such emails.