Just one day before India's Independence Day celebrations, several large-scale venues in the national capital, including the Delhi High Court, Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport Terminal 3, Red Fort and several government offices, received bomb threats, and security operations were stepped up around the city. The threats triggered increased vigilance as Delhi prepared for the country's biggest national event.
The threats were sent to institutions and government departments in an email, and in the presence of the government and government officials, the officials said. The timing of the threats is alarming as security agencies were already on high alert ahead of Independence Day celebrations at the historic Red Fort, where the Prime Minister is due to address the nation.
One of the emails targeted the Delhi High Court and contained references to the Red Fort. Bomb disposal squads, sniffer dogs, and highly specialised security teams immediately conducted searches at the affected sites. Security personnel went around court premises, airport and government offices, taking special measures to protect public safety.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the country, was also subject to enhanced security screening after the threat. Airport authorities worked closely with law enforcement to examine Terminal 3 and surrounding areas. Passengers were heavily guarded, and operations continued to proceed under close surveillance.
A thorough inspection and security sweep was conducted at the locations, and no dangerous items or explosives were found. Initial investigations found that most of the threats were nothing but hoaxes; however, the government is now investigating to identify the source of the emails and to see if any organised group was behind them.
The incident comes at a time when Delhi is already under a very high security blanket. Traffic restrictions, road closures, surveillance and deployment of additional security personnel have been introduced in the city’s core areas, especially around Red Fort and in central Delhi, for Independence Day celebrations.
There is also monitoring of hundreds of CCTV cameras and cybersecurity systems; the Red Fort has also been reinforced by security agencies. The venue is a prime place to hold events on India's Independence Day every year, and authorities are taking no chances.
We are advising citizens to remain calm and not to spread unverified information on social media. They have also asked the public to immediately report any suspicious activity, unattended baggage or unusual behaviour to security personnel.
The latest bomb threats highlight the challenges faced by security agencies during major national events. The threats were ultimately determined to be not credible, but the incident shows how critical it is to have strong security measures and fast response mechanisms. The investigation is now on to trace the origin of the emails and identify those responsible for creating panic and disrupting public order.
As Independence Day celebrations get underway, the public is assured that all appropriate precautions are in place and security arrangements in the capital are comprehensive and vigilant, and the government has assured that we are safe in the capital.
