In a distressing turn of events, over 40 private schools in Delhi, including prominent institutions like Delhi Public School (DPS) and G.D. Goenka, received bomb threats via email on Monday morning, December 9, 2024. The anonymous emails demanded a ransom of $30,000, claiming that multiple bombs were planted within the school premises. This alarming situation led to the immediate evacuation of students and staff, with parents rushing to collect their children as authorities conducted thorough searches.
The threatening emails asserted that small, well-hidden bombs were placed inside the buildings, designed to cause significant injuries if detonated. The sender warned that failure to pay the ransom would result in the bombs being triggered. In response, school administrations promptly suspended classes and coordinated with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all individuals on campus.
Authorities, including the Delhi Police, bomb disposal squads, and dog units, swiftly arrived at the affected schools to conduct comprehensive searches. As of now, no suspicious objects have been found, and the threats are being treated as potential hoaxes. Investigations are ongoing to trace the origin of the emails and identify those responsible for causing widespread panic.
This incident is not isolated; earlier in May 2024, a similar wave of bomb threats targeted over 50 schools in Delhi and Noida, which also turned out to be false alarms. Such recurring threats have raised concerns among parents and educators about the safety of educational institutions and the psychological impact on students.
In the wake of these events, Delhi’s Chief Minister criticized the central government’s handling of the city’s law and order situation, urging for more robust security measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and vigilant, assuring that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety and security of students and educational institutions.
| School Name | Location | Threat Received | Evacuation Conducted | Suspicious Items Found |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi Public School | R.K. Puram | Yes | Yes | No |
| G.D. Goenka School | Paschim Vihar | Yes | Yes | No |
| Doon Public School | Paschim Vihar | Yes | Yes | No |
| Brilliant’s Convent School | Pitampura | Yes | Yes | No |
Ensuring the safety of students and staff remains the top priority for both school administrations and law enforcement agencies. The community is urged to stay informed through official channels and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly.
FAQs
What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of students?
Authorities have conducted thorough searches of the affected schools, and no suspicious items have been found. Security protocols are being reviewed and strengthened to prevent future incidents.
How are the authorities handling the investigation?
The Delhi Police, along with cybercrime units, are investigating the origin of the threatening emails to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
What should parents do in such situations?
Parents should remain calm, follow instructions from school authorities, and stay informed through official communications. It’s important to avoid spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic.
Are these threats common in Delhi schools?
While such threats are not common, there have been instances earlier this year where multiple schools received similar threats that turned out to be hoaxes.
How can students cope with the anxiety caused by such incidents?
Open communication with parents, teachers, and counselors can help students express their concerns and alleviate anxiety. Schools often provide support services to assist students in coping with such situations.
