Ahmedabad Court Complex Evacuated Following Bomb Threat Email
The Ahmedabad Metropolitan Court complex located at Gheekanta was thrust into chaos on Thursday morning after authorities received a threatening email warning of an imminent explosion on the premises. This alarming communication triggered an immediate and large-scale security mobilization, leading to the complete evacuation of the building as a precautionary measure.
Swift Security Response and Evacuation
Upon receiving the threat email, police, fire brigade units, the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), and specialized dog squads were swiftly dispatched to the scene. Zone-2 Deputy Commissioner of Police Bharat Rathod confirmed that all individuals within the complex were safely evacuated. Three fire brigade vehicles were strategically stationed outside the building while police personnel established a security cordon around the area to facilitate the search operation.
"A thorough search of the premises is being carried out by the bomb squad and dog squad teams. So far, nothing suspicious has been found, but the checking process is continuing," stated DCP Rathod. The meticulous inspection extended to areas surrounding the court complex, including sections operating near Apna Bazar, as part of the comprehensive security drill.
Disruption of Court Proceedings and Investigation
The evacuation order resulted in the temporary suspension of all court proceedings. Litigants, lawyers, and administrative staff were instructed to vacate the building immediately. This incident marks the first time the metropolitan court at Gheekanta has been targeted with such a bomb threat, although courts across Gujarat, including the High Court and various district courts, have faced similar threats in recent months.
Police sources indicated that the threatening email bears similarities to several previous emails sent to courts and other public institutions. Investigators suspect these communications are often circulated using email IDs created or sold in bulk through illicit online networks. This pattern suggests a coordinated effort rather than isolated incidents.
Connection to Previous Cybercrime Arrest
The investigation into this threat is being conducted in the context of a recent cybercrime arrest. Earlier, the cybercrime branch apprehended a man identified as Sourav Biswas from West Bengal. He was allegedly involved in circulating threatening emails to multiple institutions and is accused of selling or sharing access to numerous email IDs with individuals abroad via online platforms.
Officials believe that some of these compromised email accounts may still be active and in circulation, which could explain the persistence of similar threatening emails even after the arrest. A dedicated probe is currently underway to trace the precise origin of the latest email and identify the sender responsible for Thursday's threat.
The incident has underscored ongoing security challenges faced by judicial and public institutions from digital threats, prompting calls for enhanced cybersecurity measures and vigilance.
