Multiple sensitive locations in India's capital were thrown into alert on Tuesday morning after receiving bomb threats via email, allegedly from the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammed. The targeted sites included three prominent district courts and two schools operated by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
Security Scare Across Key Institutions
The threat email, sent to both the Press Information Bureau and Delhi Police, claimed that explosives had been planted at the court premises and schools. This development comes just over a week after the explosion near the historic Red Fort, heightening security concerns across the city.
The email specifically mentioned Patiala House Court, Saket Court, and Rohini Court as potential targets. Simultaneously, two CRPF schools located in Prashant Vihar and Dwarka sectors also received identical threat communications around 9 AM, triggering immediate security protocols.
Massive Security Response Deployed
Authorities responded swiftly to the potential threat, deploying multiple specialized teams to secure the affected locations. Bomb disposal squads, dog squads, and local police officers conducted thorough sweeps of all district court complexes and school premises.
The New Delhi Bar Association quickly issued a circular addressing the situation at Patiala House Court. Secretary Tarun Rana advised members, "not to panic on account of the recent bomb threat and are kindly advised to cooperate with the security staff." The circular further requested anyone spotting unidentified objects to immediately inform security personnel.
Similar precautions were taken at Saket Court, where Bar Association secretary Anil Basoya announced temporary suspension of court proceedings. "Court work is suspended for the next two hours due to a security issue," his circular stated, adding that proceedings would resume after lunch following security clearance.
Threat Confirmed as Hoax
Visuals from the court complexes showed people evacuating buildings and gathering outside as security teams meticulously checked for suspicious items. The extensive security operation continued for several hours before authorities confirmed the threats were unfounded.
Around noon, police officially declared the bomb threat a hoax, providing relief to the anxious legal community and school authorities. Rana later confirmed to mediapersons that while threat emails were indeed sent to multiple district court complexes in Delhi, they ultimately proved to be false alarms.
The courts resumed normal functioning following the all-clear from security agencies. This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by public institutions in the capital and the importance of robust emergency response protocols, even when dealing with hoax threats.
