Bomb Threats Trigger High Alert at Uttarakhand Courts, Prompting Evacuations
District courts in Nainital, Haldwani, and Uttarkashi were placed on high alert on Monday following the receipt of threatening emails warning of imminent bomb explosions. The alarming messages prompted immediate evacuations of judicial premises and triggered extensive security operations across the affected areas.
Detailed Threat in Nainital
In Nainital, the district court received a bomb threat on its official email early in the morning. The message, sent at 8:41 AM and written in both Hindi and English, claimed that 12 RDX-based improvised explosive devices (IEDs) had been planted inside the judge's chamber and other sections of the court complex. The email specifically warned that the explosives would detonate around 12:15 PM and urged authorities to vacate the premises immediately.
The threatening communication also made references to the EWS reservation policy in Tamil Nadu and mentioned the banned militant outfit Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), along with Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI.
Immediate Security Response
District courts in both Nainital and Haldwani were evacuated without delay following the threat. Police teams conducted intensive search operations across court buildings and adjoining areas, while security in nearby localities was significantly strengthened through increased surveillance and strategic checkpoints.
Nainital SSP Manjunath TC confirmed that the information was received from the office of the district judge. A dedicated cyber team has been assigned to trace the origin of the email and identify the sender. Authorities have registered a case at Mallital police station against unknown persons, with officials suggesting the threat could be the work of mischief-makers attempting to create widespread panic.
Security Concerns Raised by Advocates
Meanwhile, advocates at the Haldwani court expressed serious concerns over what they described as inadequate security arrangements. They specifically pointed out that metal detectors and arms detectors are not installed on the court premises, highlighting potential vulnerabilities in the existing security infrastructure.
Similar Threat in Uttarkashi
A parallel bomb threat was reported from Uttarkashi, where the district and sessions court allegedly received a similar warning on its official email ID. Acting on instructions from the district judge, police and intelligence agencies led by SP Kamlesh Upadhyay promptly evacuated the premises.
Additional police and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) personnel were deployed to secure the area. Emergency services including fire services, SDRF teams, and the Bomb Disposal Squad were also pressed into service as part of the comprehensive security response.
Ongoing Investigations and Public Appeal
Police authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm during this tense situation. A case has been registered at Kotwali Uttarkashi against unknown persons, and investigations are actively underway to trace the source of the threatening emails.
The district administration has urged residents to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious objects or activities to the police. This coordinated response aims to ensure public safety while authorities work to identify and apprehend those responsible for the threatening communications.
