Patna, Danapur, and Kishanganj Civil Courts Evacuated Following Bomb Threat Email
Civil courts in Patna, Danapur, and Kishanganj were thrown into chaos on Wednesday morning after receiving a bomb threat via email, prompting immediate evacuations and stringent security measures across the premises. The threatening email, sent from the address sunniya_dasan@outlook.com and received by the registrar at approximately 6:27 am, warned that five bombs would detonate within the court complex at 1 pm. The message concluded with provocative slogans, including "Long live Pakistan and Kanimozhi!" Authorities treated the threat with the highest level of seriousness, swiftly evacuating judges, lawyers, litigants, staff, and all visitors as a critical precautionary step.
Police Response and Security Lockdown
Upon notification of the incident, a police team from the Pirbahore police station arrived promptly at the Patna civil court. They sealed all entry and exit gates, prohibiting anyone from entering the premises. The police, in coordination with bomb disposal units and dog squads, conducted a thorough search of courtrooms and the entire area. However, no suspicious items or explosives were discovered, according to official statements. This security lockdown severely disrupted normal judicial operations, notably affecting a scheduled hearing in the Patna civil court involving Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav.
Investigation into Series of Threats
Addressing the recurring nature of these incidents, Patna SSP Kartikeya K Sharma, who rushed to the court premises, provided insights into the ongoing investigation. "No arrests have been made in any case," he stated. "We received some information in the previous two cases in January this year, with threats originating from two different locations within the country. In the January cases, we obtained details, but whether these are connected or from the same group remains unknown at this time."
The SSP further explained that a dedicated investigative team, including members from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and the cybercell, is actively probing the threats. "We contact email service providers to obtain details, and once the forensic report arrives, we expect IP information from Microsoft, though this process takes time," he noted. "No explosives or devices were found in previous incidents either, and the content of these emails makes no logical sense. Thus, it is unclear what their purpose is or why they are being sent."
Frustration Among Legal Professionals
Advocate Virendra Sharma expressed the mounting frustration among court staff and lawyers, highlighting the disruptive impact. "As soon as we reached the court, we were told to evacuate. This happened two days ago as well—it has become a daily 'tamasha' (spectacle)," he said. "Clients travel long distances; lawyers and clerks lose entire days in the name of investigation. We spoke to the Patna SSP, who reached the court premises, but only received assurances. Despite the IT cell, cybercell, police, and ATS probing the threats, no one has been apprehended yet, nor has the motive been uncovered. If courts are not secure, what about the safety of the common man?"
Another advocate, Vijay Kumar, pointed out that the court has received five to six bomb threats within just a few months. "It has become a significant nuisance. How can anyone work effectively in such an environment?" he questioned. In response to the ongoing issue, a section of lawyers staged a protest outside the court premises, demanding stronger security measures and quicker resolutions to these threats.
