Classes cut short, students sent home: How a bomb threat mail from Russia created panic across Delhi-NCR
NEW DELHI: Chaos ensued in Delhi-NCR on Wednesday as over 100 schools received a hoax email claiming that bombs had been planted on their campuses.
The alarming situation led to a frantic rush of parents heading to the schools to ensure their children’s safety, while students were quickly evacuated from their classrooms as a precautionary measure. The ministry of home affairs (MHA) said it appeared to be a hoax threat and that there was no need to panic.
The Fire chief also urged the public to stay composed, emphasizing that the fire department is fully equipped and ready to respond to any crisis situation.
Here’s how the situation unfolded:
Panic grips Delhi schools
Parents were alarmed when they received notifications from school authorities, just an hour after dropping off their children, about an e-mail that threatened the students’ safety and security. Worried and anxious, numerous parents hurried to the schools. Outside the schools, fire-tenders, ambulances, and police vehicles were on stand-by, ready to respond to any emergency. Meanwhile, inside the buildings, bomb detection teams and bomb disposal squads were meticulously searching the premises for any potential threats.
Security beefed up across Delhi
“We have stepped up security at every station. We have also alerted our staff to keep strict vigil on any suspicion activity,” deputy commissioner of police (railways) K P S Malhotra told PTI.
A senior security officer said, “A general advisory has been issued in the Delhi Metro network and CISF personnel have been asked to remain extra vigilant.”
Another official said that additional police forces, along with paramilitary personnel, have been deployed in various areas of Delhi. Barricades have been set up at city borders as a precautionary measures. The security has been intensified at metro and railway stations, bus stands, and markets as a precautionary measure.
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Delhi LG seeks detailed report from police
Delhi LG VK Saxena directed the police commissioner to carry out an extensive investigation and provide a comprehensive report on the situation. The LG has instructed the Delhi Police to thoroughly search school premises, identify those responsible for the threats, and prevent any security lapses.
“Spoke to the police commissioner and sought a detailed report into the bomb threats at schools in Delhi-NCR. Directed Delhi Police to carry out a thorough search in school premises, identify the culprits and ensure there are no lapses,” Delhi LG posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Delhi government issues advisory to schools
The Delhi government issued an advisory for schools asking them to ensure that the e-mails received at their official e-mail addresses are checked timely.
“In view of the current situation wherein bomb threats were received by a few schools of Delhi in early hours of morning of 01.05.2024, it is advised that School Administrators/Managers/Heads of Government/Government Aided and Unaided Recognised Schools under the Directorate of Education, GNCT Delhi should ensure that emails/messages received on official email id of the school at any time of the day (before, during or after school hours) are checked timely,” read the advisory issued by the Directorate of Education.
Delhi police trace origin
Lt Governor VK Saxena said that the Delhi Police has traced the origin of the bomb threat emails and assured that strict punishment would be given to the culprits.
The email ID used to send the bomb threat letters to Delhi-NCR schools is [email protected]. Investigation has revealed that ‘Sawariim’ (clashing of the swords) is an Arabic word used by the Islamic State since 2014 for spreading Islamist propaganda. Delhi Police is probing any potential organizational conspiracy behind these threatening emails, according to ANI sources.
The Delhi police cyber cell has tracked the IP address of the threatening emails, which originated from Russia and may have been sent using a VPN, PTI reported citing a source.
A case is being registered in connection to the bomb threat emails received by Delhi schools today, as confirmed by the Delhi police special cell.
No need to panic over bomb threats
LG Saxena asked parents to stay calm and work with the authorities to keep schools and children safe, promising consequences for those behind the threats. The ministry of home affairs said the bomb threat appeared to be a hoax call, so there’s no need to worry. Delhi’s education minister Atishi also told parents not to panic in her post on X.
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