Over 150 Schools Receive Bomb Threats in Delhi
Over 150 schools through the National Capital Region (NCR) received bomb threats via E-mail on 1st May 2024 creating chaos and panic in the capital.
Delhi-NCR faced a tumultuous Wednesday morning as over 150 schools across the region were targeted with bomb threats via email, sending panic rippling through communities.
In the wee hours of the morning, around 4:00 am, all affected schools received identical threatening emails, alarming authorities and school officials. Among the targeted institutions were renowned names like Sanskriti School, Delhi Public School (DPS), and Bal Bharati Public School, sparking widespread concern among parents and educators.
Swift action followed as concerned authorities, including the Delhi Police and Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) teams, responded to distress calls from schools. Evacuations were carried out promptly, with parents rushing to retrieve their children as a precautionary measure.
Amid the chaos, the Delhi Police used loudspeakers to maintain order and reassure parents. The entire region was put on high alert, with all schools in NCR suspending classes for the day.
After thorough investigations, authorities determined the bomb threats to be hoaxes aimed at spreading panic. Similar emails were reported in other states, along with threats to airports and hospitals across the country, including Delhi.
Tracing the origin of the emails proved challenging, with Delhi Police's Counter-Intelligence Unit identifying a Russian IP address and the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to conceal the sender's identity. Suspicions arose regarding potential hacking of school computer databases, prompting the Directorate of Education to advise heightened vigilance and temporary shutdowns of school portals.
Authorities suspect the involvement of an organized terrorist group behind the coordinated threats, prompting the National Investigation Agency's involvement in the case. The Delhi-NCR Special Cell of the Delhi Police has registered an FIR against unknown individuals under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, highlighting the seriousness of the matter.
As investigations continue, residents and authorities remain on edge, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures and vigilance to ensure the safety of educational institutions and the broader community.
