Bomb Threat Email Sparks High-Alert Security Response at Chandigarh District Court Complex
A bomb threat email on Friday morning plunged Chandigarh's district court complex into a state of high alert, triggering an immediate and extensive security response from local authorities. The threatening email, received at approximately 11:40 am, prompted Court Superintendent Gurmeet Singh to swiftly inform the police, with an additional emergency call made to the 112 helpline to ensure rapid mobilization of resources.
Immediate Police Action and Security Measures
Senior police officers rushed to the scene upon receiving the alert, quickly cordoning off the entire court complex to prevent any potential threats. In a coordinated effort, three specialized teams from the bomb disposal squad, accompanied by a forensic unit, were deployed to conduct a thorough search operation. The search was carried out under the direct supervision of key officials, including the DSP (South/West), SHO Jai Prakash of the Sector 36 police station, and the in-charge of Police Post-43, ensuring a meticulous and systematic approach to the security sweep.
After several hours of intensive searching, the bomb disposal squad declared the complex completely safe, with no explosive or suspicious materials discovered. A police official confirmed, "No explosive or suspicious material was found during the search, and the situation remained peaceful throughout." Despite the all-clear, authorities have tightened security arrangements at the court complex as a precautionary measure, highlighting the seriousness with which such threats are treated.
Ongoing Cybercrime Investigation into the Threat
In the aftermath of the incident, cybercrime experts have launched a detailed investigation to trace the email ID used to send the threatening message and identify the sender. This probe aims to uncover the origins of the hoax and hold those responsible accountable. Police emphasized that strict action will be taken against anyone found issuing such threats, underscoring the legal consequences of such malicious activities.
Historical Context of Similar Incidents in Chandigarh
This incident is not an isolated event in Chandigarh. The district court complex has previously received bomb threats via email on three separate occasions, indicating a pattern of such security scares. Beyond the courts, several schools in the city have also been targeted with similar threats in the past. Investigations into previous cases revealed that bomb threat emails sent to around 30 schools originated from locations as diverse as the United States, London, and Dhaka, complicating efforts to track perpetrators.
Additionally, major government buildings, including the Civil Secretariat in Sector 1, Mini Secretariat in Sector 9, and the Punjab Municipal Building, have also been recipients of bomb threat emails. Many of these cases remain under active investigation, reflecting the ongoing challenges in combating such cyber-enabled threats. The recurrence of these incidents underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and public awareness to prevent future hoaxes and ensure community safety.
