Thiruvananthapuram: The Collectorate here was evacuated on Tuesday afternoon following a bomb threat received via email by the city’s Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). 

All staff members were immediately evacuated, and bomb squad teams, including dog squads, were deployed to conduct a thorough search.  

However, during the inspection, a beehive located at the rear of the Collectorate building was disturbed, leading to a swarm attack that left several people injured. The bee attack was so severe that it stopped bomb squad officials from conducting their inspection outside the building.  

Numerous beehives are present behind the Collectorate, and the disturbance happened as the dog squad began its search operation. Among those injured were government officials, including the Collector and Sub-Collector, police personnel, media representatives, and visitors who had come for various administrative purposes.  

Police confirmed that all those present inside the building were safely evacuated using KSRTC buses. Those who suffered bee stings received first aid at the site before being released. However, bees were still swarming in the area as security personnel continued their operations.  

Meanwhile, a similar bomb threat was reported at the Pathanamthitta Collectorate earlier in the day. This threat, also received via email, claimed that the bomb was placed as a protest against the execution of Afzal Guru.