A bomb threat email triggered panic and a massive security alert at the Chhattisgarh High Court in Bilaspur on Monday morning, prompting authorities to seal off the entire court complex and launch an extensive search operation. Police and security agencies immediately swung into action after the threat was received. The High Court premises were sealed as a precautionary measure and movement of people in the surrounding area was restricted. Barricades were placed at strategic points including parking areas, entry and exit gates, and other sensitive locations. Security personnel equipped with necessary safety gear were deployed across the complex while surveillance was intensified. A team comprising local police, the bomb disposal squad, dog squad, fire brigade and ambulance services rushed to the spot soon after the alert. The teams conducted a thorough search inside the court building as well as in the surrounding premises. Officials said strict vigilance was maintained throughout the operation while technical and intelligence agencies have intensified efforts to identify the person responsible for sending the threatening email. CSP Nimitesh Singh said that police remained on high alert to deal with any untoward incident. He appealed to the public to maintain calm, avoid rumours and immediately inform police if they notice any suspicious object or activity. Notably, a few days ago similar threatening emails were sent to the High Court and several district courts across the State.

 

Despite extensive investigation and search operations at the time, the identity of the sender could not be established, posing a continuing challenge for security agencies. Meanwhile, similar bomb threats were received at the district courts in Balod and Bemetara on Monday, triggering security alerts before being declared hoaxes following detailed searches. According to officials, the Balod district court received a threatening email around 10:30 am claiming that a bomb had been planted inside the court complex using a drone and warning that it would be detonated. Following the alert, police and district administration evacuated the entire court premises. Judges, court staff, lawyers and members of the public present in the complex were safely moved out while the area was sealed and search operations began. Bomb disposal and dog squad teams conducted an intensive inspection of the premises and surrounding areas. The operation lasted nearly three hours and created an atmosphere of tension in the area. Additional Superintendent of Police Monika Thakur said no explosive device or suspicious object was found during the search and the threat turned out to be false. She added that efforts are underway to trace the unidentified person who sent the email. A similar bomb threat received by the Bemetara district court also proved to be a hoax after security teams conducted a search operation. Police have launched an investigation and action is being initiated to identify and trace the sender.