Nagpur on edge after fake radioactive threat letter

Nagpur was placed on high alert after an anonymous letter claiming Caesium-137 radiation threats at RSS and BJP sites, Metro trains, and buses. Security agencies including ATS and NDRF conducted searches, found nothing, and suspect a hoax while investigation continues

Nagpur: A high-security alert has been sounded across Nagpur after an anonymous letter claimed that radioactive material had been planted at key locations, including the RSS headquarters and a BJP office, officials said on Thursday.

Police said the letter was received at the office of Police Commissioner Dr Ravinder Singal on April 27.
The police have formed multiple teams and roped in the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and energy experts. They carried out extensive searches at the places mentioned in the letter, but have not found any traces of radioactive material so far. The police suspect that the letter could be a hoax, and a probe was underway.

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Written in English and purportedly sent by an organisation calling itself ‘DSS’, the letter contained objectionable remarks and warned that Caesium-137, a highly radioactive substance, had been planted at several places in the city, police sources said.

The letter specifically mentioned the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters, Smriti Mandir (a memorial dedicated to RSS founder Dr K B Hedgewar and the organisation’s second chief M S Golwalkar), a BJP office in Ganeshpeth.

It also said the radioactive material has been planted under the seats of Metro trains on the Orange and Aqua lines, and ‘Aapli Bus’ services operating near these areas. The letter also claimed that the material was sourced from a cancer hospital, and warned of a city-wide radiation threat.

A senior police official said, “After receiving the letter, we immediately activated all emergency protocols. Multiple teams have been deployed, and all sensitive locations mentioned have been thoroughly checked.” The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), the NDRF and atomic energy experts carried out extensive searches at the identified locations, he said.

“So far, no traces of radioactive material have been detected. Prima facie, it appears to be a hoax, but we are investigating it with utmost seriousness,” an ATS official said. The letter also referred to a recent recovery of detonators and gelatin sticks near Dosar Bhavan Metro Station, claiming responsibility and calling it as a “warning”.

Following the threat, a case has been registered at the Sadar police station based on a complaint filed by the ATS. Security has been significantly tightened, especially around the RSS headquarters, which is already under round-the-clock protection by CISF and Nagpur Police personnel. “We are not taking any chances. Surveillance has been increased, and efforts are underway to trace the origin of the letter and identify those behind the so-called ‘DSS’ group,” another ATS official said.