Bomb threat at Taj Mahal: Visitors evacuated after anonymous caller informed of bomb in monument

While thousands of visitors were enjoying the view of the Taj Mahal — the monument of love — in Uttar Pradesh’s Agra, an anonymous call pushed the authorities into a panic. The anonymous caller informed that there was a bomb on the premise, which would go off any moment.

The Agra police and Central Industry Security Force (CISF), which is in charge of the monument, rushed the evacuation of the visitors as a precaution, and closed off the entry and exit while starting a search protocol. Police have informed that while there is a high chance that the call is a hoax, they have initiated the standard operating procedure to ensure security.

“This morning, an anonymous individual dialled UP 112 and said that there would be a bomb blast at the Taj Mahal. Immediately, as per operating procedure, our bomb squad and other teams conducted a thorough search of the vicinity. Up until now, our units haven’t given any update of discovering any such dangerous item,” said Satish Ganesh, Inspector General of Agra.

In the latest update, the Agra Police have confirmed that the situation has been checked and reverted to normal status. They added that the monument has opened again to the public, after concluding its safety.

The Taj Mahal was reopened for tourists in September 2020, with strict Covid-19 safety regulations after being shut for more than six months since March 17, due to the pandemic.