Bhubaneswar

Judicial activities in several courts across Odisha, including the Orissa High Court, were disrupted on Thursday after authorities received an anonymous email threatening to damage court premises. The incident prompted police to carry out search operations at multiple locations.

The email, written in Odia, reportedly warned of potential harm to district courts in Cuttack, Sambalpur, and Deogarh, sources said.

“An anonymous email threatening to damage court premises has been received at multiple locations. Police have taken cognizance and launched a detailed investigation,” the police headquarters said in a statement.

Odisha DGP Y B Khurania said that as a precaution, security measures have been strengthened at all affected locations and the situation is being closely monitored. He also urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with authorities.

The email claimed explosives had been planted at district courts in Cuttack, Sambalpur, and Deogarh. While no such threat was reported directly against the High Court, the police temporarily evacuated its premises in Cuttack and conducted thorough inspections using sniffer dogs, bomb disposal teams, and additional personnel. So far, no suspicious items or devices have been found.

As a result of the threat, court proceedings in several locations were suspended, with judges, lawyers, and litigants asked to leave the premises to allow proper inspections.

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Cyber experts have been tasked with tracing the origin of the email, and authorities have assured that stringent action will be taken against those responsible.