Odisha courts on high alert after receiving bomb threats
What's the story
Authorities in Odisha have been put on high alert after several courts received bomb threats via anonymous emails. The threats were made to the district courts in Cuttack, Sambalpur, and Deogarh. In response, security measures have been tightened across these court premises with special bomb disposal squads and dog squads deployed as part of standard operating procedures.
Precautionary measures
Security protocols activated following bomb threats
Deputy Commissioner of Police Khilari Rishikesh Dnyandeo confirmed that standard security drills are being conducted at the court premises. "Security drills are being carried out as per protocol to thoroughly check the premises," he said. Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania also confirmed that police checks and enhanced security arrangements have been put in place at all concerned locations as a precautionary measure.
Evacuation measures
Court staff and public evacuated amid bomb threat
Following the receipt of the threat emails, staff and members of the public were evacuated from the court premises for inspection. The threats have raised safety concerns among advocates, with Senior Advocate Prafulla Kumar Sahoo highlighting difficulties in emergency traffic management. Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed a high-level meeting to assess the situation and ordered an investigation into these threats.
Ongoing investigation
Investigation underway to trace source of bomb threats
The Odisha police have initiated a thorough investigation into these anonymous threats. According to police sources quoted by Livemint, there is a "similar pattern" in all three emails, and efforts are underway to trace their origin. No suspicious objects have been found so far during the thorough search operations conducted by bomb disposal squads and dog squads at the court premises.