A bomb threat targeting the Delhi High Court triggered a major security operation across the national capital on Friday, a day before Independence Day, after an email warned of an explosion at the court and referred to the Red Fort as another possible target.
The threatening email was received at around 11.43 am on August 14 and prompted authorities to activate standard security procedures. Bomb disposal personnel, dog squads, police teams and other emergency agencies were deployed to the High Court complex as the premises were thoroughly searched.
No explosive device or suspicious material was found during the checks, and officials later indicated that the threat appeared to be a hoax. Security remained heightened, however, because the message contained references to August 15 and the Red Fort, where the main Independence Day ceremony is scheduled to be held on Saturday.
The email reportedly carried the subject line “Blast Delhi High Court @ 2:11 pm” and included the phrase “Lal Qila ta nishana hove ga”, indicating that the Red Fort would be targeted. It also referred to attackers wearing khaki clothing, adding to the urgency with which security agencies treated the communication.
The Delhi High Court was not the only location placed under scrutiny. Bomb threats were also reported at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, Jamnagar House, a government building in Jhandewalan, the District Magistrate’s office in Saket and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate’s office in Delhi Cantonment.
Search teams were dispatched to the affected locations while police intensified checks at sensitive government buildings and transport facilities. No suspicious object was detected during the searches conducted through the afternoon.
The High Court administration remained in contact with Delhi Police while the operation was under way. Court officials said the situation was under control as bomb squads and sniffer dogs examined the premises. Security personnel maintained restrictions around sections of the complex while the inspection continued.
The threat came at a particularly sensitive time for Delhi, with extensive security arrangements already in place for Independence Day. Police have increased deployment around the Red Fort and adjoining areas, where the Prime Minister is due to address the nation after unfurling the national flag on August 15.
Traffic restrictions, road closures and diversions have also been imposed around the venue. Delhi Metro services are scheduled to begin at 4 am on Saturday to facilitate the movement of guests and members of the public attending Independence Day events.
Security agencies have been especially cautious about threats involving the Red Fort following the vehicle-borne explosion near the monument in November 2025. That attack led to an extensive investigation into the network behind the bombing and reinforced the monument’s position among the most heavily guarded locations in the capital.
The Red Fort has also figured in several bomb threats this year. An email sent to the Delhi Mayor’s office earlier this month threatened explosions at the monument on August 15, prompting security teams to comb the area. No explosives were found.
Another threat involving the Red Fort and government institutions was investigated in February. Emails carrying separatist slogans specified purported times for explosions at several sites, including the fort, Delhi Assembly and schools. Searches found nothing suspicious.
Delhi Police have faced a prolonged series of bomb threats directed at schools, courts, government offices, airports and other public institutions. Many have proved to be hoaxes, but each message requires a coordinated response involving police, bomb disposal units, dog squads and fire services because authorities cannot rule out a genuine threat without conducting physical checks.
The volume of such warnings has also placed pressure on specialised security resources. Police have been strengthening bomb detection and disposal capacity and expanding dog-squad resources as threat emails continue to disrupt institutions across the capital.
