ATS Arrests Man in Jaunpur Court Bomb Threat Case Linked to Personal Vendetta

ATS Cracks Bomb Threat Conspiracy

Jaunpur: In a major breakthrough, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested Vishal Ranjan, a resident of Azamgarh, in connection with bomb threats sent to the Jaunpur court complex and police lines gate.

According to officials, threatening emails demanding ₹1 lakh ransom were sent on February 17 to the official email account of the district judge. The messages warned of blowing up the court premises and nearby police facilities.

Following the complaint, an FIR was registered and the case was transferred to the ATS for detailed investigation.

Digital Trail Leads to Azamgarh

Investigators revealed that the accused used VPN services and proxy servers in an attempt to mask his digital identity. However, advanced cyber forensic analysis helped trace the trail to Nizamabad in Azamgarh district.

Acting swiftly, ATS officials raided a rented accommodation in the Sidhari area and apprehended Ranjan. During the search operation:

• Five mobile phones were seized

• One laptop was recovered

• Over 50 fake email IDs were found created

Preliminary examination confirmed that the threatening emails originated from these fabricated accounts.

Roadways Depot Also Targeted

The probe further revealed that the accused had drafted a similar bomb threat message intended for the Azamgarh Roadways Depot. Authorities said he was preparing to send the email when he was arrested.

Investigators are currently examining whether similar threats were issued in other districts across Uttar Pradesh.

Personal Motive Behind Criminal Conspiracy

During interrogation, Ranjan allegedly confessed that the threats stemmed from a personal grievance.

He was reportedly in a relationship with a woman whose marriage had been fixed in Jaunpur. Disturbed by the development, he initially created a fake social media profile in the fiancé’s name and posted objectionable content.

After the matter escalated to a village council and he was compelled to issue a public apology, he allegedly planned revenge. He created fake email accounts using the names and phone numbers of the fiancé and youths from the groom’s village.

The intention, police say, was to implicate them in a bomb threat case and have them arrested.Security Tightened at Court Complex

Following the threats, security at the Jaunpur court complex was significantly enhanced. Intensive searches were conducted across the premises, and no explosive materials were found.

ATS officials reiterated that cyber threats are treated with the same seriousness as physical threats, given their potential to cause panic and disrupt judicial functioning.

Strengthening digital monitoring systems, structured documentation and evidence management - comparable in rigour to compliance frameworks followed during business setup in dubai where regulatory oversight is critical - are increasingly necessary in handling cyber-enabled offences.

Growing Concern Over Email-Based Threats

Authorities noted a rising trend of bomb threats sent via email to court complexes in multiple districts. While VPNs and proxy servers may temporarily conceal digital footprints, investigators emphasized that sophisticated forensic tools can eventually identify the source.

The accused has been booked under relevant sections of the IT Act and other applicable laws and has been sent to judicial custody.

Further investigation is underway to determine if others were involved in the conspiracy.