Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep concern over bomb threats received by district courts in Sambalpur, Cuttack, and Deogarh, directing top officials to launch an immediate investigation and track down those responsible.
According to a CMO release, Majhi held discussions with the Chief Secretary, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, and the Director General of Police (DGP). He instructed them to verify the authenticity of the threats, identify the culprits, and closely monitor the situation. Senior police officers have been asked to visit the affected places to gather detailed information and assess any underlying motives behind the threats.
“The safety and security of the public cannot be taken lightly,” the CM stated, emphasising that the matter is to be treated with utmost seriousness.
He stressed the need for a comprehensive probe to prevent future occurrences, adding that no leniency will be shown to those responsible.
A high-level review meeting will be held by the Chief Minister later in the day, the release added.
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The threats, delivered via anonymous emails warning of potential explosions, sparked widespread panic and prompted swift security measures across these court premises. The buildings were evacuated as a precautionary measure and bomb disposal squads, sniffer dogs, and additional police forces were deployed to conduct thorough searches. Court proceedings were temporarily suspended with the premises cleared of judges, lawyers, staff, and visitors.
No suspicious object has, however, been detected so far, officials said, adding that search operations are continuing.
In Cuttack, the threats targeted both the district court and potentially the Orissa High Court, while in Deogarh, the email specifically claimed three RDX devices had been planted. Sambalpur SP Mukesh Bhamu said that security at the court premises was strengthened immediately after the threat was received. He added that intensive checking was underway and investigations had begun to verify the threat’s authenticity.
Cyber experts from the police department are also actively tracing the origins of the emails, including IP addresses and other technical details, to determine if the threats stem from mischief or a larger conspiracy, sources added.
Similar hoax bomb threats have been reported in other states recently, including Gujarat, Karnataka, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh, raising concerns about a possible coordinated pattern.
