In a shocking incident that sent shockwaves through Punjab’s judicial circles, the Moga District Court received a chilling threat-laden email this morning, prompting immediate evacuation and a thorough police sweep of the premises. The ominous message, received around 10 AM, warned of an impending explosion, forcing authorities to clear the bustling court complex housing dozens of judges, lawyers, and litigants.
Security personnel acted with lightning speed, ushering out over 500 people within minutes. Barricades were set up, and specialized bomb disposal squads from nearby districts rushed to the scene. For nearly three hours, every corner—from courtrooms and record rooms to parking lots and canteens—was meticulously combed using sniffer dogs and metal detectors. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as families waiting for hearings spilled onto the streets, phones buzzing with frantic calls.
Senior police officials, including the Superintendent of Police, arrived to oversee operations. ‘We took no chances; public safety is paramount,’ the SP told reporters post-search. Preliminary investigations suggest the email originated from an anonymous IP address, possibly routed through VPNs, complicating the cyber trail. Forensic teams are now poring over digital footprints.
This isn’t the first time courts in Punjab have faced such threats. Last year, similar hoaxes disrupted proceedings in Ludhiana and Bathinda. Experts point to rising cybercrime and fringe elements exploiting digital anonymity to create panic. The court premises were declared safe by 2 PM, allowing normalcy to resume, but hearings were postponed, affecting urgent cases.
Authorities have registered an FIR under sections for criminal intimidation and hoax threats. A dedicated cyber cell team is working round-the-clock to unmask the sender. Meanwhile, enhanced security protocols, including bag scanners and CCTV upgrades, are being implemented at the Moga court. The incident underscores the growing vulnerability of public institutions to online terror tactics in an era of unchecked digital menace.