Several key establishments in the national capital, including the Delhi High Court (HC), the Indira Gandhi International Airport in the city and other locations received bomb threats on Friday, a day before the country is set to immerse in the 80th Independence Day celebrations.

The bomb threats were issued via an email, bearing the subject line, “Blast Delhi High Court @2:11 PM”. The mail was sent in the name of Khalistan and claimed that multiple localities across Delhi would be blown up by means of a series of blasts.

The email read that Delhi would be turned into Khalistan and warned of an attack on the Delhi HC at 2:11 pm on Saturday, followed by explosions at district courts an hour later.

Threat email triggers security alert

The email further claimed that the alleged attacks were linked to cases being heard in Delhi courts, accusing the judiciary of acting against Sikhs. It also claimed that the members of the Khalistan Separatist Movement had reached the national capital.

The threat triggered a major security response across the city, as emergency services and security agencies revved up checks at the locations mentioned in the email. The names of several other prominent establishments were also named in the threat, including Jamnagar House, the Jhandewalan building, an office in Saket, the office of the District Magistrate and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office in Delhi cantonment. Moreover, the threat also extended to Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of the busiest aviation facilities in the country.

Fire tenders pressed into service, no incriminating material found

Upon receipt of the threatening email, fire tenders were dispatched to all the locations mentioned in it. Security personnel also conducted searches and checks as a precautionary measure. However, officials did not find anything suspicious during the searches, although security agencies are continuing their probe into the threat.

Security personnel conducting checks after the bomb threat

The scope of the security alert was further widened, as the email also warned of possible attacks on the Delhi Metro and trains travelling towards Ambala. The timing of the threat, just a day before the 80th Independence Day celebrations, has heightened security concerns in Delhi, where extensive arrangements have already been ensured for events.

Security agencies are now persevering in efforts to establish the origin and credibility of the email and identify the people responsible for issuing the threats.