Mangaluru: Tension briefly prevailed at the Dakshina Kannada District Court complex on Tuesday after officials received a bomb threat e-mail, prompting an immediate security response and a full-scale search of the premises. Authorities later confirmed that the threat was a hoax after extensive checks found no suspicious objects anywhere in the court campus.
Bomb disposal and sniffer dog squads deployed
According to police sources, the threatening e-mail was noticed by court authorities during working hours, following which local law enforcement agencies were alerted without delay. The information triggered a coordinated emergency protocol, with multiple specialised units rushed to the spot to secure the area and prevent any potential risk to judges, staff, advocates, and the public.
Bomb disposal squad personnel and a sniffer dog unit were deployed within a short time. Teams began systematic checks covering court halls, administrative offices, corridors, record rooms, and litigant waiting areas. The parking zone and vehicle stands were also thoroughly inspected as part of the anti-sabotage drill.
Security personnel temporarily regulated movement inside certain sections of the परिसर while the search was underway. Advocates and visitors were asked to cooperate with the security teams, and access to a few blocks was briefly restricted as a precautionary measure.
Officials said the search operation lasted several hours and followed standard safety procedures. After completing the sweep and verifying multiple locations, the teams concluded that there was no explosive device or suspicious material present within the campus. The alert was then officially declared a hoax.
Similar threat mails reported across courts
Police officials stated that similar bomb threat e-mails were sent to several district courts across Karnataka on the same day, indicating a possible coordinated attempt to create panic and disrupt judicial functioning.
Investigators are examining whether the latest message is linked to earlier threat mails received by the same court on two previous occasions. In each of those cases, detailed searches were conducted and the threats were found to be false.
Authorities are analysing the language pattern, sender credentials, and technical routing data of the e-mail to check for common signatures or digital trails that could help identify the origin. Cyber experts are expected to assist in tracing the source through server logs and network paths.
Case registered and investigation launched
A formal complaint has been registered at the Bunder Police Station in connection with the threat message. A case has been booked under relevant sections dealing with criminal intimidation and public mischief, and an investigation is now in progress.
Police teams are collecting digital evidence and coordinating with cybercrime personnel. Officials said that hoax bomb threats are treated as serious offences because they trigger large-scale emergency responses, disrupt essential public services, and cause unnecessary fear among citizens.
Senior officers noted that even though the alert turned out to be false, the response had to be swift and comprehensive given the sensitivity of court premises and the heavy daily footfall. They added that established security protocols were followed effectively.
Vigilance stepped up after incident
Following the incident, precautionary security measures have been strengthened at key judicial and government establishments in the district. Random checks, surveillance review, and visitor screening may continue over the next few days.
Authorities have urged the public not to spread or believe unverified information related to threat messages. Citizens have been advised to rely only on official updates from police and court authorities.
While the scare ended without incident, the episode underlines the increasing misuse of anonymous digital communication to create disruption. Police expressed confidence that technical analysis and coordinated investigation will help trace those responsible and deter similar acts in future.