PMC bans gift boxes and large bags at its headquarters after bomb threats

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) will permanently bar visitors to its headquarters from carrying gift boxes and large bags. The step is part of tighter security arrangements. Various departments of the civic body have received bomb threats over the past month.

Additional Municipal Commissioner Pragit Nayar said the decision was being taken in view of the repeated threats and security concerns. Social organisations had also raised objections, he said.

Another bomb threat arrived by email on Thursday. Police then searched the civic headquarters. Nothing suspicious was found in the search.

According to Nayar, the civic body had imposed a temporary ban on distributing gifts inside the main building during Diwali. With threatening emails continuing to arrive, the administration has now decided to make the restriction on gift boxes and large bags permanent.

Nothing suspicious was found in the search that followed the threats. The administration is nonetheless treating the matter seriously, as thousands of citizens visit the headquarters every day. Security arrangements are being strengthened. Officials will also keep an eye on people behaving suspiciously.

Under the proposed restrictions, people who arrive with gift boxes, or with belongings packed in large bags, will not be allowed into the civic headquarters.