Bomb Threat Hoaxes Trigger Mass Evacuations at Bihar Civil Courts
Several civil courts across Bihar, including prominent locations in Patna, Aurangabad, and Bhagalpur, were abruptly evacuated on Monday morning following the reception of alarming bomb threat emails. The threats prompted an immediate and extensive security response, leading to the suspension of all judicial proceedings and widespread disruption.
Authorities Dismiss Threats as Likely Hoaxes, Launch Cyber Investigation
Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya K Sharma addressed the media, stating that the bomb threat email received by the Patna civil court appeared to be a hoax. "The email was received by the registrar of Patna civil court on Monday morning," Sharma explained. "The cyber cell is attempting to trace the IP address of this email and the pattern linking these incidents. The case was lodged at Pirbahore police station and the investigation is underway."
When questioned about the source of the emails, Sharma admitted that investigators have so far drawn a blank. "We are trying to trace the source, but so far we have not been able to find out where these emails are coming from, who is sending them, or whether there is any connection between all these emails," he said. "It is also difficult to say from where the senders are sending these emails. Help has been taken from the cyber cell team and the investigation is ongoing."
Heightened Security and Extensive Searches Yield No Explosives
On Monday, security measures were significantly intensified across all affected court premises. Key judicial proceedings were cancelled as police forces, supported by bomb disposal squads and specialized dog units, conducted thorough and extensive searches. No explosives were discovered at any of the locations, reinforcing the suspicion of coordinated hoaxes.
At the Patna civil court, the threatening message incited panic, resulting in the complete evacuation of the entire complex. Lawyers, judges, litigants, and administrative staff were urgently instructed to vacate their chambers, while prisoners and witnesses were turned away. The court complex was sealed, and entry was strictly restricted. Police personnel from the Pirbahore police station, along with multiple specialized teams, executed meticulous searches of the premises.
Graphic Email Details Alleged RDX IEDs and Suicide Attack Threats
The threatening email contained disturbingly specific details. It read, "3 RDX IEDs made from C-4 RDX were already placed at appropriate locations in the building. 1 or 2 members will approach the court during lunchtime, carrying remote-controlled triggers. When they come within 100 feet of the building, the IEDs will automatically detonate. If, for some reason, they fail to activate, the members will enter the court building and blow themselves up along with all the lawyers, similar to Sri Lanka’s Easter Operation (sic)."
Judicial Proceedings Disrupted, Including Pappu Yadav's Bail Hearing
The bomb threat coincided with the scheduled court appearance of Purnia Member of Parliament Rajesh Ranjan, widely known as Pappu Yadav. Yadav was expected in court for a 31-year-old case involving allegations of fraudulent renting of a room. His bail hearing in the cheating and forgery case, which centers on alleged fake rental documents, was deferred due to the evacuation.
Shivnandan Bharti, the advocate representing the MP, confirmed the disruption. "The bail application could not be taken up due to the evacuation," Bharti stated. "We will apply for bail on Tuesday (February 10). My client shall have to spend another day in jail."
Similar Threats Reported in Aurangabad and Bhagalpur
In Aurangabad, a similar email was received at the civil court, leading to immediate evacuation and coordination with information technology experts to trace the sender. In Bhagalpur, the civil court received a comparable warning, prompting evacuation and an ongoing probe by the bomb squad. These incidents highlight a pattern of threats affecting multiple judicial districts simultaneously.
Third Major Series of Hoax Threats This Year
This event marks the third significant series of such threats in 2026. On January 8, courts in Patna and several other districts received similar emails, some of which claimed links to banned organizations such as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). These threats led to evacuations and searches that ultimately yielded no explosives. Another round of threats occurred on January 28, affecting five districts including Bhagalpur, with warnings of midday blasts. All these previous incidents were later confirmed to be hoaxes, suggesting a potential pattern of malicious disruption targeting the judicial system in Bihar.
