In a week plagued by security scares across judicial complexes in India, the Chhattisgarh High Court in Bilaspur has become the latest target of a chilling bomb threat. What was supposed to be a regular day of legal proceedings turned into a high-stakes security operation, leaving lawyers and litigants on edge.Here is the lowdown on the situation in Bilaspur and what is being done to secure the temple of justice.The Threat That Triggered the AlarmThe alarm was raised after an anonymous threat was received, claiming that explosives had been planted within the sprawling High Court premises. Given the sensitivity of the location and the high-profile nature of the cases handled there, the administration didn't waste a single second.Unlike the panic often seen in such situations, the response in Bilaspur was swift and calculated.Security Beefed Up: A Fortress in BilaspurImmediately following the threat, the area was turned into a high-security zone. If you were planning to visit the court today, here is what the scene looks like:Intensive Scanning: Every entry and exit point is being monitored. Security personnel are using metal detectors and manual checks for every bag and vehicle entering the campus.The "Sanitization" Drive: Special units, including the bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs, have been combing the courtrooms, the bar association building, and the parking lots.Verification: Identity checks for lawyers, staff, and visitors have become mandatory, with a strict "no ID, no entry" policy in place for the time being.Is This Part of a Larger Pattern?This incident in Chhattisgarh comes on the heels of a similar threat at the Dhanbad Civil Court just a day prior. Investigating agencies are now looking into whether these threats are interlinked or if they are part of a coordinated effort to disrupt the judicial system across different states.While many such threats eventually turn out to be "hoax calls" or "spam emails" intended to create mischief, the police are treating this as a serious criminal act of "digital terrorism."The Impact on the PublicWhile the court has tried to maintain some level of normalcy, the "ruckus" and underlying tension have inevitably slowed down work. For many litigants who travel from far-flung tribal districts of Chhattisgarh, the delay adds another layer of hardship to their search for justice.The Chhattisgarh Police Cyber Cell is currently working to trace the origin of the message. They have urged the public not to panic or spread unverified rumors on social media, assuring them that the situation is firmly under control.
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