Delhi Schools Rattled by Hoax Bomb Threats, Accused Demands Ransom
Over 40 Delhi schools faced hoax bomb threats via email, disrupting classes. Police declared the threats fake, while calls for improved security grow.
Over 40 Delhi Schools Receive Hoax Bomb Threats; Accused Demands $30,000 Ransom, High Court Orders SOP to Address Security Concerns
Shocking turn: Bomb threat emails on over 40 schools in Delhi on Monday triggered panic among students, parents, and school authorities. Emails later found to be hoaxes, claimed by the Delhi Police as so, forced an immediate evacuation of the premises, which hampered regular academic activities on campus. Schools included those that are most popular in India: DPS RK Puram, GD Goenka Public School Paschim Vihar, Mother Mary’s School, British School, Salwan Public School, and Cambridge School.
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Threat Details and Police Response
The threatening emails stated that multiple bombs had been planted in school buildings, claiming:
“I planted multiple bombs inside (school) buildings. The bombs are small and hidden very well. It will not cause much damage to the building, but many people will be injured when the bombs detonate. If I do not receive $30,000 I will detonate the bombs.”
Delhi Police responded promptly by initiating mass investigations and security sweeps in schools who were targeted. No explosives were found, nor was suspicious material. The threats were soon claimed to be hoaxes while efforts are being made to detect the perpetrators of such alarming acts.
Reactions and Political Criticism
The incident has now sparked criticism of Delhi’s security apparatus, with Chief Minister Atishi pointing fingers at the Union Home Ministry, which oversees the Delhi Police. She expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order in the national capital, noting an uptick in incidents of extortion, violence, and now, bomb threats targeting schools.
In a strongly worded statement on X, formerly Twitter, she said:
“After the daily incidents of extortion, murders, and shootings in Delhi, schools are now receiving bomb threats. The law and order situation in Delhi has never been this deteriorated before. The BJP-led central government has failed in its sole responsibility of providing security to the people of Delhi.”
This political sparring reflects growing frustration among citizens and policymakers alike over recurring security lapses in the city.
High Court Orders Detailed Standard Operating Procedure for Dealing with Bomb Threat Situation, Delhi High Court directs government, police to draft ‘crisp’ standard operating procedure dealing with bomb threats After Delhi Police failed yet again on Sunday to prevent panic over reports of a bomb call at Paschim Vihar area during the cricket match India-Bangladesh.
The High Court had passed the order following a plea by Advocate Arpit Bhargava, raising an issue of no uniform protocol to deal with bomb threats. The Court had then asked for the SOP with specific roles of all stakeholders and told the same to be implemented in eight weeks.
Parents are concerned and the way ahead
The hoax bomb threats on Monday understandably shook the confidence of parents that their children are safe in school. Many parents have aired the need for better security measures, including enhanced surveillance and rapid response systems in educational institutions.
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Education experts and child psychologists are also beginning to raise questions about the kind of psychological impact such episodes may have on young students. Routine safety drills and even counseling sessions can help students as well as teachers to cope through such distressing moments.
Boosting Resilience
While the threats proved to be a hoax on Monday, the incident points to the grave need for proactive measures towards ensuring safety at educational institutions. If the High Court directs to formulate an SOP, it can be a major step. However, in the long run, the collaborative efforts of police and schools along with community members shall be imperative in order to maintain a safe learning environment.
As Delhi grapples with these challenges, the focus must remain on ensuring that no child’s education is disrupted by fear or insecurity.
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