Several schools in Delhi, including prestigious institutions like Delhi Public School (DPS) RK Puram and Ryan International School in Vasant Kunj, were once again targeted by bomb threat emails on Saturday(14/12/2024), sparking panic among students, parents, and staff. This marked the second consecutive day of such threats in the national capital. According to the Delhi Police, a group email was received at 6:12 am, triggering immediate evacuations and searches by the Bomb Disposal Squad at the affected locations.
The threats follow a similar pattern from the day before when over 30 schools in Delhi were targeted by hoax bomb threat emails. Schools such as Bhatnagar Public School in Paschim Vihar, Cambridge School in Srinivaspuri, DPS in East of Kailash, and DPS in Defence Colony were among those affected on Friday. The hoax emails created widespread alarm, leading to school evacuations and thorough checks. However, no explosives or hazardous materials were found.
South East Delhi Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Ravi Kumar Singh revealed that the investigation into the source of the fake threats traced the emails to an origin outside the country. This added a layer of complexity to the ongoing probe, raising questions about the intent and perpetrators behind these disruptive acts.
The hoax threats have drawn serious concerns from both authorities and the public. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal strongly condemned the incidents, highlighting their potential to severely disrupt the psychological well-being and academic performance of children. He emphasized the need for swift and effective measures to prevent such incidents from becoming recurring events.
This is not the first time that schools in the national capital have been targeted. On December 8, over 40 schools received bomb threat emails demanding a ransom of USD 30,000. Similarly, on November 19, the Delhi High Court directed the Delhi Government and Delhi Police to devise a comprehensive action plan, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), to handle bomb threats and related emergencies effectively. The court had set an eight-week deadline for implementing these measures, underscoring the urgency of addressing such threats.
While investigations continue, parents and educators remain on edge, calling for stronger security protocols in schools. The Delhi Police has assured the public that safety remains their top priority, and efforts are underway to track and apprehend those responsible for these threatening emails.
