LUCKNOW: Security has been intensified across Ayodhya, Varanasi and Mathura after a threatening email warned of bomb attacks at key religious sites and schools between November 8 and November 27, triggering a multi-agency investigation and heightened vigil in the three sensitive cities.The email, received on the official email account of the Ayodhya court around 12.25 pm on Wednesday, warned of explosions during the festive season and described November 8 as a “black Diwali”.The message allegedly carried pro-Khalistan references and threatened religious establishments in Mathura and schools in Varanasi, prompting authorities to activate security protocols and launch a probe into its source.Police have stepped up surveillance, frisking and anti-sabotage checks at temples, courts, schools and other crowded locations. Intelligence units and cyber experts are examining the email’s contents, technical trail and digital footprint to determine whether the threat is credible or an attempt to spread panic.In Mathura, the cyber cell has begun tracing the sender. “Our cyber team is examining the technical details and digital evidence to identify the source of the email and those responsible,” Mathura SSP Shlok Kumar told TOI.The strongest response has come in Ayodhya, where Chief Judicial Magistrate Piyush Tripathi directed police to bolster security around the district court complex.In a communication to the SSP, the court sought enhanced deployment of police personnel, strict access control, screening of visitors, checks on unattended objects and regular anti-sabotage sweeps by bomb disposal and dog squads from November 8 to November 27.Following the alert, police teams from Ayodhya Kotwali and Cantt police stations conducted extensive searches across the court premises, inspected security equipment and reinforced screening at entry points. Officials said no one would be allowed entry without proper security checks.City circle officer Shriyash Tripathi said surveillance at the court complex would be strengthened further and efforts were underway to identify the sender and trace the origin of the email.With the threat specifically mentioning religious sites and educational institutions, police in all three cities have increased patrolling around vulnerable locations.Investigators are now working to establish the authenticity of the threat, identify the sender and determine whether the email points to any specific security risk or was intended solely to create fear ahead of the festive period.
