A series of coordinated bomb hoaxes disrupted judicial proceedings in North India on Thursday, targeting the Himachal Pradesh High Court in Shimla and district court complexes in Punjab's Ferozepur and Moga. Threatening emails prompted large-scale evacuations and exhaustive searches by security forces, though no explosive devices were found.
Shimla High Court Targeted for the Fourth Time
The Himachal Pradesh High Court in Shimla faced its fourth bomb hoax in just over a year. Previous incidents occurred in June 2024, April 2025, and June 2025. Upon receiving the threatening email, the court administration immediately alerted senior police officials. Police teams, including the bomb disposal squad and dog squad, swiftly reached the high court premises.
The complex was evacuated as a precaution, and an extensive search operation was launched. Shimla SSP Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi confirmed that all necessary security measures were activated. The entire campus was thoroughly combed, but no suspicious or explosive material was discovered. An investigation is underway to trace the origin of the email.
Punjab Courts Paralyzed by Similar Threats
Parallel incidents unfolded in Punjab, causing significant disruption. In Ferozepur, the district and sessions court received an anonymous email threatening to blow up the complex with RDX. Lovejit Pal Singh Turna, President of the Ferozepur District Bar Association, stated that advocates, staff, and litigants were advised to evacuate immediately. Work was suspended as the premises were cleared.
Ferozepur Senior Superintendent of Police Bhupinder Singh said police took immediate cognizance. A force of 150 personnel, along with bomb disposal squads, dog squads, and cyber experts, conducted a meticulous search. Ferozepur SP (Detective) Manjeet Singh confirmed the massive operation, but nothing was found. Enhanced security remains in place.
In Moga district, a nearly identical sequence of events played out. Moga SSP Ajay Gandhi explained that a threat mail was received on the official email ID of the district and sessions judge. Police followed the standard drill, evacuating the complex and conducting a thorough search, which again yielded no results.
Investigations Launched, Security on Alert
The repeated nature of these hoaxes, particularly in Shimla, has raised serious concerns about the misuse of digital platforms to create panic and waste security resources. Authorities in all three locations have initiated investigations to track down the senders of the threatening emails.
The incidents highlight the vulnerability of public institutions to such threats and the extensive protocol that must be followed each time, causing widespread inconvenience and consuming critical manpower. While the immediate threat was neutralized, the police are treating the matter with utmost seriousness to deter future attempts.
