RTO Bomb Threats Spark Panic Across Gujarat

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — A wave of bomb threats targeting key government offices has sent shockwaves across Gujarat, forcing the evacuation of Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in multiple major cities and disrupting thousands of citizens seeking driving tests and services.

Authorities confirmed that RTO offices in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara and Surat received bomb threats on Monday, triggering immediate security protocols. All premises were evacuated as police teams and bomb detection squads launched intensive searches.

Officials said thousands of applicants who had arrived for driving track tests and documentation were asked to leave the premises. “Public safety is our top priority. All RTO offices were cleared within minutes and search operations are underway,” a senior police official said.

Part of a Disturbing Pattern

The fresh threats come amid a series of similar incidents targeting courts in Gujarat earlier this month, raising serious concerns about coordinated hoax or terror attempts.

On March 12, the Ahmedabad Metropolitan Court received a bomb threat that led to a massive evacuation. Three fire brigade vehicles rushed to the spot, and the entire court complex was searched. No suspicious objects were found.

Just days earlier, on March 9, threats were emailed to the Gujarat High Court, consumer court and rural court in Navrangpura. Lawyers, staff and visitors were immediately evacuated as police sealed the premises and deployed bomb detection teams.

A senior police officer involved in the investigation said, “These repeated threats are being treated with utmost seriousness. Even if they turn out to be hoaxes, the risk cannot be ignored.”

Massive Disruption and Public Anxiety

Monday’s RTO evacuations caused widespread disruption, particularly for applicants who had waited weeks for appointments. Several people expressed frustration and fear.

“We came from early morning for driving tests and were suddenly asked to leave. Safety comes first, but this is very worrying,” said an applicant outside the Surat RTO.

Security has now been tightened across key government buildings in the state. Police cyber teams are tracing the origin of emails and calls linked to the threats.

Investigation Intensifies

Officials believe the threats may be linked, though confirmation is pending forensic and cyber analysis. “We are examining digital trails and working to identify those responsible. Strict action will follow,” police said.

While no explosives have been found so far, the repeated threats have put Gujarat’s security agencies on high alert, underscoring the growing challenge of hoax threats and the pressure they place on public services and law enforcement.