High drama unfolded at the Gujarat Legislative Assembly in Gandhinagar today when a bomb threat was received just moments before the crucial Budget Session was set to begin. The threat sent security agencies into a frenzy, triggering an immediate and massive sweep of the entire Vithalbhai Patel Bhavan premises.In a state where security is already at an all-time high during legislative sessions, this incident has raised serious questions about the safety protocols of high-profile government buildings.What Happened?The threat was reportedly received via an anonymous communication shortly before the House was scheduled to convene. Given the gravity of the situation—with the Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers, and all MLAs expected to be present for the budget presentation—security protocols were immediately escalated to "Code Red."The Security ResponseThe Gujarat Police, along with the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) and a specialized Dog Squad, arrived on the scene within minutes.The Sweep: Every corner of the Assembly, including the visitor galleries, the main hall, and the parking zones, was thoroughly inspected.The Lockdown: For a brief period, entry into the building was restricted, and those already inside were moved to designated safe zones while the technical teams conducted their search.The Outcome: After an intensive hour-long operation, the security agencies declared the building safe. No suspicious objects or explosives were found, leading officials to conclude that the threat was a "hoax call."Business as UsualDespite the initial panic and the slight delay, the democratic process remained unshaken. Once the "all-clear" was given, the Budget Session commenced as planned. The Speaker and the government ensured that the legislative business, including the highly anticipated budget announcements for the 2026-27 financial year, proceeded without further interruption.The Hunt for the CulpritThe Gandhinagar Cyber Cell and local police have already launched a full-scale investigation to trace the origin of the threat. Authorities have warned that such "hoax threats" are a serious criminal offense, especially when they aim to disrupt the functioning of the state legislature.While the tension has subsided, security remains tightened around the Assembly for the remainder of the session to prevent any further scares.
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