Courts in Nainital, Haldwani and Uttarkashi receive bomb threats; security tightened

Nainital/Uttarkashi: District courts in Nainital, Haldwani and Uttarkashi were placed on high alert on Monday after threatening emails warning of "bomb explosions" were received, prompting immediate evacuations and extensive security operations across judicial premises.

In Nainital, the district court received a bomb threat on its official email early in the morning, claiming that 12 RDX-based improvised explosive devices (IEDs) had been planted inside the judge's chamber and other parts of the court complex. The email warned that the explosives would detonate around 12.15 pm and urged authorities to vacate the premises. Sent at 8.41 am, the message was written in both Hindi and English.

The email also referred 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.

District courts in Nainital and Haldwani were evacuated immediately. Police teams carried out intensive search operations across court buildings and adjoining areas, while security in nearby localities was strengthened through increased surveillance and checkpoints.

Nainital SSP Manjunath TC said the information was received from the office of the district judge and that a cyber team had been assigned to trace the origin of the email and identify the sender. A case has been registered at Mallital police station against unknown persons. Officials said the threat could be the handiwork of mischief-makers attempting to create panic.

Meanwhile, advocates at the Haldwani court raised concerns over inadequate security arrangements, stating that "metal detectors and arms detectors are not installed on the premises".

A similar threat was reported from Uttarkashi. The bomb threat was allegedly received on the official email ID of the district and sessions court. Acting on instructions from the district judge, police and intelligence agencies led by SP Kamlesh Upadhyay evacuated the premises, and additional police and PAC personnel were deployed. Fire services, SDRF teams and the Bomb Disposal Squad were also pressed into service.

Police have appealed to the public to remain calm. A case has been registered at Kotwali Uttarkashi against unknown persons, and investigations are underway to trace the source of the threat emails.

District administration has urged residents to immediately report any suspicious object or activity to the police.