Second Bomb Threat Email This Week Targets Bombay HC and Turns Out to Be Hoax
Hoax email triggers frantic search, no threats found.
Panic gripped the iconic Bombay High Court in South Mumbai on Friday morning after it received a chilling bomb threat email, marking the second such hoax in just a week. The anonymous message, sent to the court's official ID early in the day, warned of an imminent blast on the premises, prompting an immediate and exhaustive security response from authorities.
Teams from the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) and the specialized dog squad were swiftly deployed to scour the historic building, known for its Gothic Revival architecture and role as Maharashtra's apex judicial body.
After a thorough inspection that lasted several hours, officials confirmed the threat was a false alarm, with no explosives or suspicious items discovered. "The search was comprehensive, and we're relieved to report it's a hoax," a senior police official stated, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance amid rising cyber threats.
Despite the disruption, the court resumed its regular operations without delay, ensuring that hearings and administrative functions proceeded as scheduled. This incident echoes a similar scare on September 12, when another hoax email halted proceedings for hours, leading to the registration of an FIR against unidentified perpetrators under sections related to criminal intimidation and cyber crimes.
Also Read: Bombay HC Orders Maratha Protesters Out by 3 PM
Police sources indicate that investigations into both threats are underway, with cyber forensics teams tracing the emails' origins, potentially linked to international servers or VPNs to mask identities. The repeated hoaxes have raised concerns about the vulnerability of public institutions to digital mischief, prompting calls for enhanced email security protocols and AI-driven threat detection systems.
Legal experts and court staff expressed frustration over the interruptions, noting that such pranks not only waste resources but also erode public trust in security measures. As Mumbai's bustling judiciary returns to normalcy, authorities vow stricter action against hoax perpetrators to deter future incidents.
