Bomb threat to Maharashtra legislature, three other places

An early morning mail sent to the official address of Maharashtra Legislature threatened to blow up the State legislature, the Bombay High Court, Bombay Stock Exchange, and banks, Ram Shinde, Chairperson of Maharashtra Legislative Council said on Thursday morning. Security was beefed up around the premises immediately. Preliminary investigation suggests that the mail was a hoax.

Soon after the mail, a full security alert was raised. The buildings were vacated. All the staffers were asked to step out. Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads arrived at the State Legislature and inspected the premises. “There is no need for concern. It looks like a hoax mail, as per preliminary investigation,” Yogesh Kadam, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home, said.

Meanwhile, legislators demanded that the day’s proceedings be suspended in view of the threat. “In view of the bomb threat, the entire premise should be searched thoroughly. For that, the day’s proceedings should be suspended. The entire police machinery is under strain. The duration of the ongoing Budget session can be extended by one day,” Shiv Sena UBT legislator Milind Narvekar said.