Ahead of Independence Day, Delhi High Court receives bomb threat mail; probe underway
As India gears up to celebrate its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, the Delhi High Court received a bomb threat on Friday as security was tightened across the national capital.
As India gears up to celebrate its 80th Independence Day on Saturday, the Delhi High Court, Indira Gandhi International Airport, and several other places received bomb threats on Friday, as security was tightened across the national capital.
Here's what we know about the threat
According to Hindustan Times, the High Court was alerted to the threat through an email. The report, citing information from the Mayor's Office, said an anonymous email was received at 9:07 am on Friday, warning of a bomb blast at 2:11 pm on Saturday. The office subsequently informed the Delhi Police and other concerned security agencies, prompting immediate precautionary measures.
According to NDTV, the email was sent in the name of Khalistan and detailed plans to blow up several places in the city, reportedly claiming that Delhi would be converted into Khalistan. It also threatened blasts at district courts an hour after the initial explosion.
Quick answers to key questions
The Delhi High Court and several other locations, including the Indira Gandhi International Airport, received bomb threats via email, warning of a blast scheduled for August 15.
The threat claimed that the blasts were in response to cases being heard against Sikhs in Delhi courts and aimed to promote the idea of Khalistan.
The Delhi Police, upon receiving the threats, heightened security measures across the capital, deploying personnel and conducting checks at key locations.
In preparation for Independence Day, intensified checks, increased patrolling, drone surveillance, and mock drills are being conducted to ensure safety during celebrations.
While security is heightened due to bomb threats, officials have stated that current threats appear to be fake, but attendees should remain vigilant.
The email reportedly claimed that the blasts were in response to cases being heard in Delhi courts. It read, "Delhi courta vich sirf Sikhaan de khilaf case chalde (Delhi Courts only hear cases against Sikhs)."
The email also alleged that members of the Khalistani separatist movement, which advocates for an independent Sikh state called Khalistan, had arrived in the national capital.
Other locations that reportedly received bomb threats included Jamnagar House, Jhandewalan building, Saket office, District Magistrate's Office, Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) Terminal 3 and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Office in Delhi Cantonment. Additionally, threats were issued against the Delhi Metro and trains bound for Ambala.
‘Nothing suspicious found’: Delhi HC Joint Secretary
News agency ANI reported that the Registrar General of the Delhi High Court is in touch with the Delhi Police. Kunal, Joint Secretary of the Delhi HC, said, “The bomb threat appears to be fake... Everything is under control. Bomb squad and sniffer dogs are scanning the entire premises. There is no threat as of now...”
ANI, citing the Fire Department, said bomb threats were reported at at least five locations. Fire department vehicles were dispatched to all the sites, but no suspicious material has been found so far.
Security tightened ahead of Independence Day
Police have been stationed at key locations, with intensified checks at entry and exit points. Security personnel are also monitoring crowded public areas and locations expected to see increased footfall ahead of 15 August.
The heightened security comes ahead of Independence Day celebrations in the national capital, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to address the nation from the Red Fort on Saturday.
(with agency inputs)
About the Author
Swati Gandhi is a digital journalist with over four years of experience, specialising in international and geopolitical issues. Her work focuses on foreign policy, global power shifts, and the political and economic forces shaping international relations, with a particular emphasis on how global developments affect India. She approaches journalism with a strong belief in context-driven reporting, aiming to break down complex global events into clear, accessible narratives for a wide readership.<br><br> Previously, Swati has worked at Business Standard, where she covered a range of beats including national affairs, politics, and business. This diverse newsroom experience helped her build a strong grounding in reporting, while also strengthening her ability to work across both breaking news and in-depth explanatory stories. Covering multiple beats early in her career has helped her be informed about her current work, allowing her to connect domestic developments with wider international trends.<br><br> At Live Mint, she focuses on international and geopolitical issues through a business and economic lens, examining how global political developments, foreign policy decisions, and power shifts impact markets, industries, and India’s strategic and economic interests.<br><br> She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English (Honours) from the University of Delhi and a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Her academic training has shaped her emphasis on precision, analytical rigour, and clarity in writing. Her interests include global political economy and the intersection of geopolitics with business.<br><br> Outside work, Swati focuses on exploring her passion and love for food. From fancy cafes to street spots, Swati explores food like a true foodie.
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