Delhi Police Crack Down On Hoax Bomb Threats; Union Minister Piyush Goyal Condemns Act As Work Of “Depraved Minds”

1. Arrest of the Juvenile Behind Threats:
   • Delhi Police apprehended a public school student responsible for sending hoax bomb threats to over 400 schools in the national capital.
   • The Cyber Cell of the South District Police used advanced technical methods to trace the accused, who had attempted to conceal his identity using encrypted email services and anonymous tools.
   • Police recovered and analyzed a laptop and two mobile phones from the accused, which confirmed his involvement in multiple instances of sending threatening emails.
2. Impact of Threats:
   • On January 8, 2025, 23 schools received emails warning of bombs on their premises, leading to panic, school closures, and disruption of academic activities.
   • The police reassured citizens that the threats were hoaxes, but the psychological and operational impact was significant.
3. Union Minister Piyush Goyal’s Response:
   • Piyush Goyal, Union Minister, condemned the act, stating:
     • “It is the work of depraved minds to destabilize social harmony and the progress of the nation.”
   • He urged vigilance against divisive forces, both domestically and internationally, emphasizing the need to fight them “tooth and nail.”
4. Pongal Wishes Amidst the Incident:
   • On the occasion of Pongal 2025, Goyal extended warm wishes to the people of Tamil Nadu, highlighting the celebration of unity in diversity across India.
   • He remarked,
     • “This festival epitomizes ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,’ with similar celebrations like Makar Sankranti, Bihu, and Lohri across the nation.”

Analysis

The incident underscores the need for:

• Enhanced cybersecurity measures in schools and institutions to detect and mitigate such threats.
• Greater awareness programs for students about the consequences of cyber misuse.
• A coordinated approach to tackle online threats through improved infrastructure and international cooperation.

What’s Next?

Delhi Police is likely to:

• Strengthen its cyber monitoring systems.
• Collaborate with schools to improve their digital safety protocols.
• Pursue stringent legal action against the juvenile under applicable cyber laws, emphasizing the consequences of such acts.

The case serves as a reminder of the critical importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding public peace and ensuring academic stability.