Fresh Wave of Hoax Bomb Threats Targets Courts Across Odisha
In a concerning development, multiple district and sessions courts across Odisha have been targeted by a fresh series of anonymous bomb threat emails, plunging the state's judicial system into a state of high alert and panic. This alarming incident comes nearly a month after similar warnings were issued to several courts, putting the Odisha Police in a difficult position as they scramble to investigate the source and credibility of these threats.
Courts Across Multiple Districts Receive Threatening Emails
According to detailed police reports, the threatening emails were sent to district and sessions courts located in Cuttack, Puri, Phulbani, Sambalpur, Bargarh, and Jajpur. The messages explicitly threatened to detonate RDX explosives on the court premises, triggering immediate and widespread panic among lawyers, litigants, and judges present at these locations. The timing of these threats is particularly sensitive, occurring just one day after the consulates of Italy and Japan in Bengaluru received similar hoax bomb threats via email, highlighting a potential pattern of coordinated cyber intimidation.
Police Launch Extensive Security Operations
In response to the grave nature of the threats, the Odisha Police did not dismiss the matter lightly. Authorities launched a comprehensive and urgent investigation, conducting extensive security checks across all affected court complexes. These measures included thorough inspections with sniffer dogs, large-scale search operations, and coordinated evacuation drills to ensure the safety of all individuals on the premises. The police's heightened vigilance was further amplified by the ongoing visit of President Droupadi Murmu to Odisha, necessitating an elevated security protocol throughout the state.
Bomb detection and disposal units were swiftly deployed to scour the court areas for any suspicious objects. Fortunately, after meticulous searches, no explosive devices or suspicious materials were found, providing a temporary sigh of relief to officials and court personnel. However, the psychological impact of the threats lingered, disrupting normal court proceedings and creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
Emails Traced to Tamil Nadu Connection
Police sources have revealed a critical lead in the investigation: both the current set of threat emails and the previous ones sent on January 8 originated from the same email address—arundale_kumar@hotmail.com. The content of the emails contained explicit references to Tamil Nadu constables and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), adding a complex layer to the investigation. While the January 8 threats were later confirmed to be a hoax, the recurrence of identical tactics has raised serious concerns about the motives behind these cyber threats and the potential for copycat incidents.
Political Reactions and Calls for Calm
The email threats have ignited a political blame game in Odisha, with opposition parties expressing deep concern over the state's police preparedness. The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Congress have voiced criticisms, questioning the effectiveness of security measures in place. In contrast, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has assured the public that the police are diligently working to trace the sender and will take stringent action against those responsible.
Amidst the turmoil, Advocate General Pitambar Acharya has appealed to members of the judicial fraternity to remain calm and composed. He emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and trust in the police's ability to handle the situation, urging everyone to cooperate with security protocols and avoid spreading unnecessary panic.
The Odisha Police continue to investigate the origins of the threatening emails, leveraging cyber forensic tools to track the digital footprint of the sender. This incident underscores the growing challenge of cyber threats to public institutions and the need for robust cybersecurity measures to prevent such hoaxes from disrupting essential services and endangering public safety.
