Sambalpur: Security was significantly tightened at the Sambalpur District Court on Monday after authorities received a bomb threat for the third time this year. The threat prompted an extensive search operation across the court premises and surrounding areas.

Confirming the development, Sambalpur SDPO Tophan Bag said that security agencies immediately launched a thorough inspection following the threat. A bomb disposal squad, sniffer dogs, metal detectors, NLJD equipment, and optical fiber scopes were deployed to scan the court complex for any suspicious objects.

Police personnel also carried out detailed checks of vehicles parked inside and outside the court premises, including their trunks, while access to the court complex was closely monitored.

According to police, similar bomb threat emails were received on January 8 and March 2, making this the third such incident targeting the Sambalpur court. Authorities have not found any explosives during any of the previous searches.

The repeated threats have sparked concern among members of the legal fraternity. Lawyers expressed dissatisfaction over the failure to identify those responsible for sending the threatening emails despite multiple investigations.

They urged the police to intensify the probe and take stringent action against those behind the hoax threats, stating that such incidents create panic and disrupt the functioning of the judiciary.

Meanwhile, police also confirmed that Angul Court received a similar bomb threat, prompting security measures there as well. Investigations are underway to trace the source of the emails and determine whether the threats are linked.