Bomb Threat to Jaipur’s SMS Hospital Triggers Security Operation, Suspect Detained in Haryana
A bomb threat targeting Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur triggered panic in the hospital premises on Wednesday morning after the caller demanded Rs 40 crore and threatened to blow up the hospital if the money was not paid. Police later detained a suspect from Haryana following cyber tracing of the call.
According to officials, a threatening call was received by Jaipur’s Abhay Command Center between 5:30 am and 6 am on Wednesday. The caller claimed that SMS Hospital would be blown up if Rs 40 crore was not paid.
Following the threat, police, bomb disposal squads and investigating agencies launched an extensive search operation across the hospital premises. Authorities placed the hospital on high alert and security teams cordoned off the area while conducting searches.
Hospital administration officials advised patients and their attendants to remain alert during the operation.
Search operations continued for nearly two to three hours. Security teams inspected hospital wards, parking areas, the emergency block and other sensitive sections of the premises. No explosive material or suspicious object was recovered during the searches.
Deepak Maheshwari said patients and their relatives were concerned during the operation, although security agencies later declared the premises safe after completing the inspection.
Police sought assistance from the cyber cell to identify the caller. Technical investigation traced the phone number location to Haryana.
Jaipur Police subsequently contacted Haryana Police and dispatched a special team to the state. In a joint operation, the suspected accused was detained.
Rajesh Sharma said the accused was being questioned. Police are investigating the reason behind the Rs 40 crore extortion demand and whether any organised network or additional individuals were involved.
Officials said the accused was being brought to Jaipur for detailed interrogation. Investigating agencies are also examining call records, digital devices and financial transactions linked to the case.
Authorities said several major hospitals and public institutions in India have received bomb threats through emails, phone calls and social media in recent years. Many such cases were later found to be hoaxes, though security agencies are required to deploy substantial resources and time for each response.
SMS Hospital is Rajasthan’s largest government medical institution and receives thousands of patients daily from across the state and neighbouring regions.
Officials said security arrangements and surveillance systems would be strengthened further to address similar incidents in the future.
