Naveen Patnaik Calls for Investigation into Bomb Threats at Odisha Courts

Concerns Raised Over Bomb Threats

Naveen Patnaik, the president of the Biju Janata Dal and former Chief Minister of Odisha, expressed his worries on Thursday regarding bomb threats received by several district courts in the state. In a post on social media, Patnaik emphasized the importance of safeguarding judicial institutions and public safety, labeling it as a top priority. He stated, "I am deeply concerned to learn that bomb threats have been made via email to the district courts in Sambalpur, Cuttack, and Deogarh. The safety of judges, lawyers, litigants, court staff, and the general public is our utmost priority." He further urged for a thorough investigation into the matter, insisting that the findings should be made public.

Call for Swift Action

Patnaik urged the relevant authorities to conduct a prompt, thorough, and appropriate investigation into the threats received. He called for the immediate identification of the sources of these threats and those involved, along with the public disclosure of the investigation's results. In closing his post, Patnaik advised the public to refrain from spreading misinformation and encouraged cooperation with security personnel. He stated, "In such situations, I urge the public to remain calm, avoid spreading rumors, and fully cooperate with security agencies."

Police Response to Threats

Earlier in the day, Odisha's Director General of Police (DGP), Yogesh Bahadur Khurana, reported that bomb threats had been received via an anonymous email at various courts in the state. He confirmed that security measures had been heightened at all affected locations. The DGP noted that the police are actively monitoring the situation and have taken cognizance of the matter.