Mumbai: A series of bomb threat emails sent to judicial institutions in Maharashtra triggered widespread evacuations, heightened security alerts, and comprehensive searches by law enforcement agencies at key court complexes in Mumbai and Nagpur on Thursday.
The alerts affected the iconic Bombay High Court and several magistrate courts in the state’s major urban centres, prompting swift action from police and specialised security units.
Background of Bombay High Court Bomb Threat
Threat Distribution via Email
The initial bomb threat was reportedly received by the Bombay High Court’s official email address early on Thursday morning.
Nearly simultaneously, threat emails were dispatched to multiple magistrate courts located in Bandra, Andheri, and Esplanade. Authorities did not immediately confirm the sender’s identity or motive.
Nagpur’s District and Sessions Court also received a separate email alleging the presence of unexploded devices within its premises.
In each case, the threats were communicated digitally rather than through phone calls or physical notes.
Bombay High Court Bomb Threat: Immediate Evacuations and Suspensions
On receiving the emailed threats, court administrators quickly ordered the evacuation of all personnel and visitors from the affected buildings. Regular judicial work was suspended pending security clearance. Barricades, police cordons, and sniffer dog units formed part of the immediate response.
Mumbai Police deployed specialised Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) units to conduct thorough sweeps of the court complexes. According to officials issued statements, no suspicious objects or explosive devices were discovered during the inspections.
Security Operations: Ensuring Public Safety
Bomb Detection and Disposal Sweep
The BDDS and local police undertook systematic searches of the Bombay High Court and associated court premises throughout the day.
These operations included use of x-ray scanners, handheld detection devices, and canine units trained to detect explosives. Court staff and security teams cooperated to seal off all entrances and ensure no one entered the buildings until clearance was given.
Similarly, in Nagpur, law enforcement oversaw exhaustive sweeps of the district court complex. With the threat making specific reference to explosive devices, authorities took extra precautions despite initial indications that the threat could be a hoax.
Traffic and Public Impact
In Mumbai, the bomb threat resulted not only in judicial disruption but also significant impact on local traffic and commuter movement.
Roads surrounding Bandra and Esplanade courts experienced slowdowns due to security measures and emergency vehicle access. Commuters were advised to avoid the area and use alternative routes.
Historical Perspective: Bomb Threats and Hoaxes in India
India has experienced periodic bomb scares and hoaxes over the past decades, with institutions ranging from courts and schools to public offices and transportation hubs receiving false alarms.
Notably, earlier in 2025 the Bombay High Court itself received multiple bomb threat emails — all of which were subsequently found to be unverified and without any actual devices.
These recurring threats highlight ongoing concerns around digital security, the potential misuse of email systems to disrupt civic functions, and the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracing anonymous or spoofed senders.
Each incident places additional strain on security infrastructure while testing protocols designed to protect public spaces.
Read also: Bombay High Court Issues Notice to NCB’s Gyaneshwar Singh in Sameer Wankhede Case
