Over six prominent schools in Delhi received bomb threats via email on Friday morning, prompting an immediate response from security and emergency teams.
The schools targeted include Bhatnagar Public School (Paschim Vihar), Cambridge School (Srinivaspuri), Delhi Public School (East of Kailash), Delhi Public School (Defence Colony), Delhi Police Public School (Safdarjung Enclave), and Venkatesh Public School (Rohini).
Threat Details
The threatening email alleged the presence of multiple explosives within the school premises, stating:
“This email is to inform you that there are many explosives in your school premises… A secret dark web group is involved in this activity and many red rooms also. The bombs are powerful enough to destroy the buildings and harm people… The bombs will be blasted on the 13th of December or the 14th of December.”
The email demanded a response and warned of detonation if their demands were not met.
Swift Response
Following the threats, Delhi Police and Delhi Fire Brigade teams were deployed to the schools. Thorough searches of the premises were conducted, and authorities later confirmed that no suspicious items were found.
A parent arriving at one of the schools shared their experience:
“We received a message from the school around 6 am, stating that it was closed due to unavoidable circumstances. There was no mention of bombs or threats. We are now heading back home.”
Past Incidents
This is not the first instance of such threats in Delhi schools. On December 8, over 40 schools received bomb threats demanding a ransom of USD 30,000. The email stated:
“I planted multiple bombs inside the building… You all deserve to suffer and lose limbs. If I do not receive USD 30,000, I will detonate the bombs.”
Political Reactions
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi criticized the Central government, accusing it of failing to ensure security in the capital.
Former CM Arvind Kejriwal also condemned the incident, blaming Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the deteriorating law and order situation.
Court Directions
In response to the increasing frequency of bomb threats, the Delhi High Court had, on November 19, directed the Delhi Government and Delhi Police to devise a comprehensive action plan and a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for addressing such emergencies. Authorities were given an eight-week deadline to implement these measures.
While this incident ended without harm, it underscores the urgent need for heightened security and preparedness to protect educational institutions and their occupants.