Authorities in Rajkot were put on high alert this week after a chilling bomb threat was sent via email to the city's district court. The threat, which later turned out to be a malicious hoax, triggered a massive security operation and led to the filing of a formal police case.
Security Sweep and FIR Filed
On Tuesday, officials at the Rajkot district court discovered an alarming email in their inbox. The message contained a specific bomb threat, claiming that a human suicide bomber equipped with three RDX-based explosive devices was present on the court premises. It ominously warned that judges should be evacuated by 1:55 PM to avoid casualties.
The court registrar, Archna Thakkar, immediately informed the chief district judge, who then alerted the police. A large-scale security sweep was swiftly conducted across the entire court complex. However, after a thorough search, no suspicious items or devices were found, confirming the threat was a false alarm.
Subsequently, on Wednesday, an FIR (First Information Report) was registered at the University police station. Registrar Archna Thakkar filed the complaint against the unknown sender of the threatening email. The case has been registered under Sections 351(4) and 351(1)(B) of the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Major Police Deployment and Cyber Investigation
The hoax threat prompted a significant response from the Rajkot police force. Zone 2 Deputy Commissioner of Police Rakesh Desai stated that a large contingent of personnel was deployed to secure the court complex immediately after the threat was reported.
"A DCP, an ACP, two inspectors, and 60 other police personnel were involved in the operation," DCP Desai confirmed, highlighting the seriousness with which the threat was treated despite its eventual status as a hoax.
The investigation has now moved into the digital realm. University police station inspector Haresh Patel revealed that they are working with tech giant Microsoft to trace the origins of the email. "We sought information about the name under which the email ID was registered, along with linked mobile numbers. The IP address used to create and send the email is also being investigated with the help of Cybercrime police," Inspector Patel explained.
Ongoing Probe and Legal Ramifications
The police investigation is actively underway. The primary focus is on uncovering the identity of the individual or group responsible for sending the hoax email. Using the registration details, linked phone numbers, and IP address, cybercrime experts are attempting to digitally fingerprint the perpetrator.
This incident underscores the severe legal consequences of making false threats. The sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita invoked in the FIR are designed to deal with criminal intimidation and acts intended to cause alarm. If caught, the sender could face serious charges for wasting police resources and creating public panic.
The swift action by the court administration and the police prevented any disruption to court proceedings beyond the necessary security checks. Authorities have reiterated that such pranks or malicious acts are grave offences and will be met with the full force of the law.
