Lawyers, Staff Evacuated as Police and Bomb Squad Conduct Sweeps After Email Warns of 1:15 PM Explosion
Dharwad/Mandya (PTI): A bomb threat email sent to the Karnataka High Court’s Dharwad Bench and the district court in Mandya triggered large-scale security operations on Monday, prompting authorities to evacuate court premises in both districts.
Police confirmed that the threat message warned of a possible explosion at 1:15 pm, leading to immediate precautionary measures. Lawyers, court staff, judges and litigants were asked to vacate the buildings as security agencies initiated thorough inspections.
Premises Cordoned Off, Bomb Squad Deployed
Security personnel sealed off the affected areas and conducted systematic searches of courtrooms, corridors and surrounding premises. Bomb disposal squads were deployed to assist in the operation.
In Dharwad, Superintendent of Police Gunjan Arya visited the spot and personally inspected the High Court Bench premises following the alert.
Speaking to reporters, Arya said,
“We are conducting a full inspection. Only our personnel are inside. The email message says the explosion would occur at 1:15 pm. We are gathering more information about the remaining details. The message also contains references to different states, so we cannot share further information at this moment.”
Police stated that the email is being analysed to trace its origin and assess its credibility.
Court Proceedings Suspended in Mandya
In Mandya, court proceedings were temporarily suspended after the threat email surfaced. Judges, lawyers and litigants were evacuated as a precautionary measure while bomb disposal teams and local police carried out detailed searches.
Officials said that investigations are underway to determine whether the threat was genuine or a hoax. Cyber teams are expected to assist in tracking the source of the email.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with security personnel as precautionary checks continue.
