Bomb threat email triggers evacuation and searches at Odisha District Court

The Deogarh District Judge’s Court was evacuated on Thursday after an anonymous email threatened a bomb explosion inside the premises, triggering an extensive security operation. The email claimed that three RDX explosives had been planted in the court complex and warned that the blast would occur at 2:45 pm.

Following the threat, police immediately activated security protocols. Bomb disposal and dog squads rushed to the spot and launched a thorough search operation. All court officials, staff and visitors were evacuated as a precautionary measure, while parcels entering the premises were subjected to detailed inspection. At the time of reporting, no explosive material had been detected.

Police sources said the origin of the email had not been established, and investigations were underway to trace the sender.

Security Measures And Search Operations Underway

As part of the response, all suspicious objects and areas inside the Deogarh court complex were carefully examined. Security personnel cordoned off the premises and restricted movement until the search was completed. Authorities said the evacuation was carried out to ensure public safety following the specific time mentioned in the threat email.

Similar Threats Reported In Sambalpur And Cuttack

Similar bomb threat emails were also received at district courts in Sambalpur and Cuttack, raising concerns across multiple judicial complexes in Odisha. Anti-bomb squads conducted checks at the Sambalpur court premises, while the District Judge’s Court in Cuttack was evacuated following the alert. However, information indicated that search operations had not yet begun at the Cuttack district court at that time.

Lawyers in Sambalpur said precautionary measures were immediately taken after the district judge informed them of the email.

A senior lawyer near the Sambalpur court said, “This has never happened earlier. An investigation is underway to establish the source and truth behind the email.”

Police Response And Official Statements

Director General of Police YB Khurania said, "Threatening emails were received at courts in Cuttack, Deogarh and Sambalpur. We have initiated an investigation into the matter and gathered some preliminary intelligence. Police are on alert across all locations, and thorough searches are being conducted at the premises. I request people not to panic and to cooperate with the police. We are confident about the steps being taken and expect to gather further inputs soon."

In a press note, the DGP’s office stated that the anonymous emails threatening court premises had been received at several locations and that enhanced security arrangements were in place.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi spoke to senior officials, including the DGP and the Chief Secretary, and ordered an investigation into the matter.

Also Read: After Sambalpur court, Cuttack district court receives bomb threat

No explosives were found at any of the locations till the time of filing of this report.