Hoax bomb threats in over 40 Delhi schools trigger panic

More than 40 schools in Delhi were thrown into panic after receiving bomb threat emails late night of Dec 8. Following a comprehensive security sweep, authorities confirmed the threats were baseless.

Two prominent institutions, DPS RK Puram and GD Goenka School in Paschim Vihar, were among the 44 schools that received alarming emails, prompting immediate action. Students were promptly sent home, while law enforcement agencies were alerted.

According to the email sent at 11.38 pm on Dec 8, bombs were supposedly planted at multiple locations within the school premises. "The bombs are small and hidden very well," the email claimed.

The sender demanded a ransom of $30,000 (around ₹26 lakhs), threatening mass injuries if the bombs were not defused. “It will not cause very much damage to the building, but many people will be injured when the bombs detonate. You all deserve to suffer and lose limbs," the email further stated.

Delhi Police, working alongside cybersecurity experts, has launched a full-scale investigation, tracing the email’s IP address and seeking to identify the perpetrator.

The threats surfaced as schools prepared for their usual morning routines. GD Goenka School contacted the Delhi Fire Department at 6.15 am, followed by DPS RK Puram at 7:06 AM.

Emergency responders, including bomb detection squads, K9 units, and local police, arrived swiftly and conducted thorough searches. No explosive devices were found, confirming the threats as a hoax.

The incident ignited a fierce political backlash. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticized Home Minister Amit Shah, questioning the deteriorating security situation in the capital. “The people of Delhi have never seen such a bad state of law and order before. Amit Shah ji should come and answer the people of Delhi,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi echoed similar concerns, accusing the BJP-led central government of failing in its responsibility to ensure public safety. "The law and order situation in Delhi has never been so bad before.

The BJP-ruled central government has failed in its only task of providing security to the people of Delhi," she stated.

AAP leader Manish Sisodia also expressed dismay, describing the current atmosphere in Delhi as one of fear. “It shocks us that our children are not safe. BJP has induced an environment of fear in Delhi. Law & order situation has collapsed... If the national capital is not safe, what is the central government doing?" he asked.

This incident follows a similar scare in October when a blast outside a CRPF school in Rohini’s Prashant Vihar damaged the school wall, nearby shops, and vehicles.

The next day, schools received another email threatening bomb blasts at all CRPF schools by 11 AM on Oct 21. That threat was also declared a hoax after an immediate investigation.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, assuring the public of enhanced security measures in schools across the city.