Bomb Threats via Email Target Civil Courts in Four Bihar Districts, Declared Hoax
Civil courts in the Bihar districts of Purnia, Kishanganj, Katihar, and Hajipur were thrown into a state of high alert on Monday after receiving bomb threats via email. The alarming messages triggered immediate and comprehensive security responses across all four locations, leading to the evacuation of court premises and the cordoning off of surrounding areas.
Intensive Security Operations and Evacuations
Upon receiving the threats, police forces swiftly moved into action. Courtrooms, record rooms, parking areas, and nearby shops were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Intensive searches were conducted using specialized resources, including dog squads and bomb disposal units, to scour the premises for any potential dangers.
After thorough inspections, no suspicious objects or explosive devices were discovered at any of the locations. Authorities subsequently declared the bomb threats to be a hoax. However, the incidents have prompted the filing of separate First Information Reports (FIRs) in each of the four districts to initiate formal investigations into the source of the threatening emails.
District-Wide Responses and Heightened Security Measures
In Purnia, Superintendent of Police Sweety Sahrawat personally led inspections across the court campus. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (Sadar-1) Jyoti Shankar provided details, stating, "The threat message was sent to the official email of the court late at night." Deputy Superintendent of Police (headquarters) Ashok Kumar confirmed that security arrangements have been significantly heightened in the wake of the incident, emphasizing, "Security arrangements have been heightened. The bomb threats were a hoax."
Katihar District Magistrate Ashutosh Dwivedi announced the formation of a special team dedicated to identifying and tracing the location of the individual responsible for issuing the threat. Superintendent of Police Shikhar Chaudhary added that additional police forces and Quick Response Teams (QRT) have been deployed to bolster security in the area.
In Hajipur, the threatening email was received by District Judge Harshit Singh. Sub-Divisional Police Officer-1 Subodh Kumar assured the public, "A threatening email was received. Everything is under control with no suspicious object recovered." Similar security protocols and investigations are underway in Kishanganj as part of the coordinated response.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Assurance
While the immediate threat has been neutralized, police investigations continue to trace the origin of the hoax emails. The incidents have underscored the vulnerability of public institutions to digital threats and have led to a review of security protocols at judicial facilities across the region.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, while reassuring citizens that the situation is under control and that all necessary measures are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future. The hoax has disrupted court operations temporarily but has not resulted in any injuries or damage.
