The state police said it is trying to verify whether the e-mail is a hoax to create panic. (Representational picture)
The Rajasthan Police is investigating an email received by 16 ministers in their official mail accounts threatening a terror strike on January 26, Republic Day.
The police said it is trying to verify whether it is a hoax to create panic in peak tourist season in the state. "We are looking into where the mail came from and who sent it," said Rajasthan's police chief Upendra Bhardwaj, adding that "special instructions for security have been sent out."
The email, sent from the mail id "Leonazarda", says, "We are from the Indian Mujahideen, be prepared, we are going to give a BIG BANG
surprise. There will be many blasts in Rajasthan and the date of action is 26th January."
Police officers emphasise that the mail, sent to the official accounts of 10 Cabinet ministers and six Ministers of State, must not be allowed to cause panic. They say it is unusual for a terror group to announce when and where they intend to strike.
The Rajasthan government has, however, assured people that it will ensure full security in the state. "We have got the information and accordingly department has done its preparations. Further action will be taken by the police. Proper safety measures will be taken," said Rajasthan's home minister Gulab Chand Kataria.
After the massive terror strike at a Pakistan school in which over 130 children were killed last week, the Centre had alerted all states in an advisory, asking them to ensure adequate security at public places.