Court proceedings in Odisha's Cuttack and Sambalpur were thrown into chaos for several hours on Thursday following bomb threats received via email. While the threats triggered immediate evacuations and extensive security sweeps, no suspicious objects were found at either location.
Panic and Evacuation in Cuttack
Following the threatening email, the high court registry in Cuttack promptly alerted the authorities. This led to the swift initiation of evacuation protocols. Security personnel quickly cordoned off the court complexes and restricted entry as advocates, litigants, staff, and visitors rushed out of the buildings.
Teams from the local police, bomb disposal squad, and dog squad launched a thorough search operation across the court premises. Cuttack DCP Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo confirmed the sequence of events, stating, "We received information about a bomb threat sent through email. As a precaution, both court campuses were evacuated and anti-bomb squads were deployed to conduct thorough checks."
He assured that the situation was under control and emphasized that the safety of judicial officers, advocates, and the public was the top priority. The DCP added that standard operating procedures were being strictly followed.
Lawyers React to Security Breach
The sudden evacuation caused significant disruption and panic. Advocate Alok Mohapatra described the moment, saying, "There was sudden panic after the announcement. Everyone cooperated with the evacuation, but such incidents disrupt the justice delivery system."
Expressing deep concern, another advocate, Bibhuti Choudhury, noted the unprecedented nature of the threat. "For the first time we are experiencing such a threat here in Cuttack court. I haven't seen such panic in 30 years of my career," he said. Choudhury called for stronger security measures, adding, "The govt must think of a robust security system for the judiciary. Strong action is needed to prevent misuse."
Sambalpur Court Sees Similar Scare
A parallel situation unfolded in Sambalpur, where the district judge ordered an immediate evacuation upon receiving the threat mail and informed the police. Sambalpur SP Mukesh Bhamoo directed prompt action, leading to the sealing of the court premises and a detailed search operation. The civil court and family court buildings were also cleared.
Pradeep Bohidar, president of the Sambalpur bar association, revealed that lawyers played a proactive role. After learning of the threat, lawyers themselves helped vacate the premises and urged all advocates and litigants to leave immediately for their safety.
While the day ended without the discovery of any explosives, the incidents have raised serious questions about the security preparedness at vital judicial institutions in Odisha and the need to prevent such disruptive hoaxes in the future.
