Hoax Bomb Threats Trigger Panic and Security Scrambles at Karnataka District Courts
Panic gripped the District Court Complex in Kalaburagi on Tuesday morning following a bomb threat received via email, prompting an immediate and extensive security response from local authorities. The incident closely mirrors a similar hoax that disrupted proceedings at the Belagavi district court just a day earlier, raising concerns about security protocols at public institutions.
Kalaburagi Court Complex on High Alert After Early Morning Threat
According to police reports, the principal district and sessions court judge in Kalaburagi received a threatening email at 5:40 AM, warning of an explosive device planted within the court premises. The email, which spanned three pages, instructed the judge to alert others about the imminent danger.
City Police Commissioner Sharanappa SD stated that upon learning of the threat, officials immediately tightened security across the entire complex. Bomb disposal squads, dog squads, and senior police officers were swiftly deployed to the location to conduct a meticulous inspection of all areas, including court halls, administrative offices, and surrounding grounds.
As a precautionary measure, lawyers, court staff, litigants, and members of the public present at the premises were evacuated to safer locations. The intensive search operation lasted approximately three hours, after which authorities confirmed that no suspicious objects were found, declaring the threat a hoax.
Investigation Launched to Trace Email Origin
Despite the all-clear, police remained vigilant and initiated steps to trace the origin of the threatening email. University police have registered a formal case and launched a comprehensive investigation to identify the sender. Commissioner Sharanappa emphasized that strict legal action will be taken against those responsible for creating panic and disrupting the functioning of public institutions.
Belagavi Court Faces Similar Disruption on Monday
In a strikingly similar incident, court proceedings at the Belagavi district court were briefly disrupted on Monday morning after a hoax bomb threat email was received, triggering panic among lawyers and litigants. Sources indicate the email was sent to the official account of Principal District Judge Manjunath Nayak.
Judge Nayak acted swiftly, ordering the suspension of all court proceedings until the threat could be verified. Proceedings were halted for over an hour as police initiated a thorough security check. Bomb disposal and dog squads rushed to the court premises and conducted an intensive search of the buildings and surrounding areas.
After a detailed inspection, authorities confirmed the threat was a hoax and declared the premises safe, allowing court activities to resume. Advocate Chidanand Khot, speaking to reporters, confirmed that the inspection was carried out as per the directions of the principal district judge and that no suspicious object was found.
Calls for Enhanced Security Measures
Another advocate, SS Patil, condemned the incident and called for enhanced security measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. Specific recommendations included the installation of comprehensive CCTV camera systems on court premises to improve surveillance and deter potential threats.
These back-to-back incidents highlight vulnerabilities in court security and underscore the need for robust protocols to handle such threats while minimizing disruption to judicial proceedings. Police investigations in both Kalaburagi and Belagavi are ongoing as authorities work to identify and apprehend those responsible for these alarming hoaxes.
