Bomb Threats Trigger Evacuation at Four Uttarakhand Courts

February 16, 2026

Dehradun: Four courts in Uttarakhand, including the District Courts of Nainital and Uttarkashi and the Sessions Courts of Ramnagar and Haldwani, were evacuated on Monday following bomb threats. Uttarkashi City Police Inspector Bhavna Kainthola confirmed that the District Court had informed them of the presence of RDX on the premises, prompting immediate evacuation and investigation.

Threats Sent via Email

Nainital District Bar Association President Bhagwat Prasad stated that the All India Judges Association received an email threatening that an RDX bomb had been planted in the District Court and would detonate by 1:00 pm. Lawyers, court staff, and litigants were moved to safer locations, and the judges were safely evacuated.

Security Measures and Searches

Police have cordoned off the court premises and are conducting thorough searches with bomb squads, dog squads, and cyber teams working to trace the sender of the email. Suspicious items and vehicles in the vicinity are being carefully checked, and security checks have been intensified in surrounding areas.

Administrative Advisory

District Magistrate Lalit Mohan Raiyal urged the public not to panic, stating that police and agencies are on alert and that any suspicious objects or activities should be reported immediately. The administration emphasized that the threat coincides with the upcoming Uttarakhand Bar Council elections scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, and all precautionary measures are being taken to ensure safety.

Next Steps

Authorities continue to investigate the source of the threats while maintaining heightened security around all judicial complexes in the state. The situation remains under close monitoring.