Patiala court complex gets bomb threat

Patiala: Patiala court complex was evacuated on Monday after a bomb threat was received stating that a blast would occur in the afternoon, police said, adding the threat was found to be a hoax following an extensive search. Police said an extensive search, involving bomb disposal squads, dog squads, police teams and other security personnel, was carried out throughout the premises.

Barricades were erected around the complex, and security was significantly strengthened to prevent any untoward incident. After a thorough search, the threat was found to be fake, they said.

Earlier, an official order issued by the District and Sessions Judge stated that an emergency meeting was convened with the Patiala senior superintendent of police (SSP). Since the e-mail specifically mentioned 2.11 pm as the time of the blast, the SSP advised that sufficient time was required to conduct thorough frisking and search operations.

Consequently, entry into the judicial court complex was prohibited until 3 pm, court proceedings were suspended and everyone was evacuated as a precautionary measure. Security has been tightened across Punjab in view of the approaching Independence Day. Sources said that a threatening e-mail warning of serial bomb blasts at various places ahead of Independence Day was circulating over social media on Monday.

The threat warned of attacks at several locations before August 15 and also specifically mentioned a few dignitaries as targets. Following the threat, Punjab Police and intelligence agencies intensified surveillance and security arrangements at district courts, government offices, the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, educational institutions and all venues scheduled to host Independence Day celebrations.