Panic Erupts at Bengal Court Due to Bomb Threat Email, Hoax Suspected
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Kolkata, February 24 (NationPress) A bomb scare led to significant disruption at the Asansol Court located in the West Burdwan district of West Bengal during the busy afternoon hours on Tuesday, following the receipt of a threatening email by the District Judge.
Authorities from the Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate acted quickly, evacuating the court and initiating a thorough search for any explosives. Sources indicate that this threat may be a hoax, but no formal confirmation has been provided.
The alarming email asserted that an RDX-IED had been concealed in a key area within the court complex, set to be detonated remotely at noon. The correspondence also mentioned that a group of five to seven Maoists would infiltrate the court and detonate the bomb in the judge’s chamber, according to a police official.
As Tuesday is a full working day at the court, many litigants, lawyers, and judges were present for scheduled hearings at the time the threat was reported.
“A threatening email was received by the Asansol District Judge. The message indicated that a bomb had been placed within the court premises and would be detonated at noon,” stated the police.
The police utilized loudspeakers to clear the area, ensuring everyone, including lawyers and court staff, was moved to safety as search operations commenced. Sniffer dogs were also deployed to assist in the investigation.
Initial reports had suggested that the judge received a threatening phone call, but it was later clarified that the threat originated from an email. The District Judge has initially suggested that this could be a false alarm.
As of the time this report was filed, police and bomb disposal teams were actively conducting searches and investigations in the court complex.
Heavy police security remains in place around the entire court area, which has been cordoned off as search operations continue.
Officials have indicated that it is premature to draw any conclusions, although preliminary sources suggest that the threat may ultimately be a hoax.
Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.