KULLU, July 9 — A bomb threat targeting the District and Sessions Court complex in Kullu sent panic across the hill town on Wednesday, triggering an emergency evacuation and deployment of security agencies. The alert, received via email, led to the immediate clearance of the court premises, as bomb disposal units and law enforcement agencies launched a thorough search operation.
Employees, lawyers, and members of the public were safely escorted out of the court building after the threat was reported. Police, bomb detection squads, dog units, and rapid response teams quickly cordoned off the area and began combing the premises for any explosives.
“The court premises were evacuated after an email warning about a bomb was received,” said Teja Thakur, president of the Kullu Bar Association.
Kullu superintendent of police Karthikeyan Gokulachandran confirmed the threat and said that swift steps were taken to ensure public safety. “We are working closely with the cybercrime team to trace the source of the threat and assess its credibility. All precautionary measures are in place, and the district remains on high alert,” he added.
As of Wednesday evening, no explosive device had been found, but police officials said the search would continue until the premises were fully cleared. Senior officers remain at the scene to monitor developments.
This is not the first time Kullu has faced such a threat. On May 1, a similar hoax email targeted the Deputy Commissioner’s office. That threat, later deemed non-credible, heightened sensitivities among law enforcement, especially following a spate of recent threats across the state and country.
In March, bomb hoaxes caused disruptions in Shimla and Mandi, and in April, several major airports across India were temporarily shut down due to similar emailed threats. Though most have turned out to be hoaxes, officials say they strain resources and sow public fear.
“In light of recurring threats, we have tightened security across the district, especially at sensitive government buildings, transport hubs, and educational institutions,” said Gokulachandran. All entry and exit points in Kullu have been placed under heightened surveillance.
The police cyber cell is now investigating the origin of Wednesday’s email. Officials said legal action will be taken under stringent provisions if the sender is found. Meanwhile, court proceedings remain suspended for the day as security agencies continue their operations.
