Punjab and Haryana High Court Targeted by Bomb Threat Email
The Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh was once again thrust into a security alert on Wednesday after receiving a bomb threat via email. The alarming message, sent directly to the court's official email address, specifically warned that an explosive device would be planted near Court No. 1, close to the police post on the premises.
Security Forces Mobilized for Intensive Search Operation
In immediate response to the threat, authorities deployed multiple specialized units to the high court complex. The anti-bomb disposal squad, anti-sabotage team, Quick Reaction Team (QRT), dog squad, fire tenders, and ambulances were all rushed to the scene as a precautionary measure. Police conducted an exhaustive two-hour search operation that lasted until 9 PM, meticulously scanning the area around Court No. 1 and other vulnerable locations within the court premises.
Despite the thorough investigation, no suspicious items or explosives were discovered during the search. The threat ultimately proved to be another in a series of hoaxes that have plagued Chandigarh institutions in recent weeks.
Pattern of Similar Threats Across Chandigarh Institutions
This incident marks the latest in a disturbing pattern of identical threat emails targeting key facilities in Chandigarh. Just weeks earlier, on February 9, the high court received a similar bomb threat that also turned out to be unfounded. In total, nearly 30 city schools, the Sector 43 district court, the Punjab and Haryana Secretariats, and several other government buildings have all received comparable threat emails recently, with each instance resulting in security alerts but no actual explosives being found.
The high court has faced such threats before, including a notable incident on May 22, 2025, when a bomb threat email prompted the evacuation of courtrooms and lawyers' chambers. That situation, like the current one, concluded without any discovery of dangerous materials.
Investigation Focuses on Tracing Email Source
With the immediate threat neutralized, law enforcement agencies have shifted their focus to identifying the source of the threatening email. Investigators are currently working to trace the sender's IP address in hopes of determining the origin of the communication and potentially identifying those responsible for the hoax.
The repeated nature of these threats has raised concerns about security protocols and the psychological impact on court staff, lawyers, and visitors who must endure these disruptions. Authorities continue to treat each threat with utmost seriousness despite the pattern of false alarms, emphasizing that public safety remains their paramount concern.
