Bomb threat email triggers panic at Patna-Bhagalpur court, complexes evacuated

Panic broke out at the Patna Civil Court on Monday morning after a threatening email claimed that RDX and IED explosives had been planted inside the court premises. The message, sent to the official email ID of the District and Sessions Judge’s office, immediately alerted the administration and police, leading to the activation of high-level security protocols. Following the receipt of the email, authorities evacuated the entire Civil Court complex as a precautionary measure. Judges, court staff, lawyers, litigants and visitors were shifted to safe locations, while the main gates of the complex were sealed and all movement in and around the court was restricted to prevent any untoward incident.

Police officials said bomb disposal squads, dog squads and other security agencies rushed to the spot without delay. A comprehensive search operation was launched across courtrooms, offices and surrounding areas. Sniffer dogs were deployed to examine suspicious spots as part of the security sweep. According to administrative sources, the sender of the email identified himself as Arun Kumar and claimed to be associated with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). Security agencies, however, have not confirmed the claim and stated that it is being thoroughly verified as part of the investigation. As an added precaution, the Patna City Civil Court complex was also evacuated. Police forces were deployed there, and parallel search operations were carried out to rule out any possible threat to public safety.

The scheduled bail hearing of Independent Member of Parliament Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, was postponed on Monday, prolonging his stay in judicial custody in Patna. The hearing was expected early in the day, but adjournment orders mean Yadav will remain in Beur jail as proceedings resume later this week. The bail hearing, originally slated for Monday, was postponed, and legal counsel confirmed that proceedings will now take place later as the investigation continues. Until then, Pappu Yadav will remain in custody. Supporters and opposition figures have been vocal following his arrest, sparking political debate across Bihar.

Meanwhile, the cyber cell has begun a technical examination of the threatening email to trace the sender’s identity, location and motive. Police officials said strict vigilance is being maintained across court premises in the city. Due to the security alert, normal judicial proceedings at the Civil Court were disrupted. Officials said court work would resume only after the completion of security checks and once the premises are declared safe