Bomb Threats Target Over 20 Delhi Schools on Friday Morning
Multiple Delhi Schools Receive Bomb Threats, Prompting Panic and Sweeps
Over 20 schools across Delhi received bomb threats via email on Friday morning, triggering widespread panic among students, parents, and staff. Security forces responded swiftly, deploying bomb disposal teams and dog squads to search the premises.
Notable Institutions on Alert
Officials reported that St Xavier’s School in Civil Lines, Richmond Global School in Paschim Vihar, Abhinav Public School in Rohini, and The Sovereign School in Rohini were among the affected institutions. Additional schools are also believed to have received the alarming messages, although their names are yet to be confirmed.
Delhi Police immediately cordoned off affected areas and launched search operations. So far, no explosives have been found, and authorities believe many of the emails could be hoaxes.
Recent History of Threats Raises Concerns
The latest threats come just days after similar incidents at two major institutions—St Stephen’s College in North Campus and St Thomas School in Dwarka. On Tuesday, these educational institutions received bomb threat emails around 7:15 AM, prompting evacuations and extensive checks.
The message sent to St Stephen’s was particularly alarming. It claimed that four IEDs and two RDX packets were planted across the campus, including inside the library. The mail warned they would detonate by 2 PM.
Police confirmed that no explosives were found during the sweep. As of now, the threat is being treated as a hoax.
Teen Behind Hoax Identified Earlier This Week
On Wednesday, police traced one of the earlier bomb hoaxes to a 12-year-old boy from South Delhi. The boy, reportedly a student at a private school, used his personal mobile device to send the threatening email.
“He was questioned, counselled, and sent home. The child admitted it was a prank. He’s currently undergoing mental health treatment,” said a senior investigating officer.
This incident has raised concerns over digital supervision, cyber safety, and the mental well-being of children.
Political Fallout and Public Outcry
Following the bomb scare, former Delhi Chief Minister and senior AAP leader Atishi sharply criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.
She stated, “More than 20 schools have received bomb threats today! Think of the trauma that children, parents and teachers would be going through. BJP controls all four engines of governance in Delhi, and is yet not able to provide any safety or security to our children! Shocking!”
The opposition’s criticism reflects growing concern over the frequency of such hoaxes and the potential psychological toll they take on families.
Authorities Urge Calm Amid Investigations
Police officials have asked the public to remain calm. “All threats are being investigated thoroughly. We are treating each email seriously and leaving no room for error,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (North), Raja Banthia.
The cybercrime unit is reportedly working to trace the IP addresses and email servers used to send these threatening messages.
While none of the threats have materialized, the repeated incidents are a stark reminder of the vulnerability of public institutions in the digital age.