Lucknow: The district court complex in the state capital was placed on high alert on Monday morning after authorities received another email threatening to blow up the premises, the second such warning in three days. The message, which referred to the ISI, prompted an immediate multi-layered security response, though no suspicious object or person was found during an extensive search.
Police, bomb disposal squads and sniffer dog units rushed to the court complex soon after the threat was flagged. Entry and exit points were sealed and every visitor, lawyer and staff member was subjected to thorough checking. Courtrooms, record rooms, parking areas, the bar association block and other public spaces were searched using both manual and technical methods.
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Officials said the entire premises was kept under a temporary high-alert protocol while the search operation was underway. Surveillance in adjoining areas was also intensified as a precautionary measure. Court proceedings continued, although access delays were reported due to heightened screening.
This follows a similar email threat received on Friday, which had also led to a large-scale search that yielded no explosives. With repeated warnings in a short span, investigators are now examining the technical trail of the emails. The cyber cell has been tasked with tracing the origin of the messages, including server details, IP logs and routing patterns.
Police sources indicated that such threats are often hoaxes intended to create panic, but stressed that sensitive installations such as court complexes cannot afford to treat any alert lightly. Security arrangements at the Lucknow court are being reviewed, with additional personnel deployed at entry gates and CCTV monitoring being tightened.
Authorities are also coordinating with other districts after similar email threats were reported recently at court complexes in Meerut, Aligarh, Azamgarh and Amroha. The pattern has raised the possibility of a coordinated mischief campaign aimed at disrupting judicial functioning and creating fear.
Officials confirmed that no explosive material was recovered and the situation remains under control. However, the repeated threats have prompted discussions on strengthening permanent security protocols, including stricter access control, baggage scanners and enhanced cyber monitoring of threat communications.
Lawyers and litigants have been advised to cooperate with security checks and to report any unattended object or suspicious activity immediately. Police have urged the public not to spread rumours and to rely only on verified information.
Investigators said efforts are underway to identify those responsible for sending the emails using digital forensics and technical evidence. Once traced, legal action will be initiated under relevant provisions related to criminal intimidation, cyber offences and public safety.
The recurring threats have renewed concerns over the vulnerability of judicial complexes and highlighted the need for integrated physical and cyber security measures to ensure uninterrupted court functioning.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
