Panic swept through Delhi as over 40 schools, including prominent institutions like Delhi Public School and GD Goenka Public School, received bomb threats via email. The chilling messages, which arrived late Sunday night, claimed that explosives were planted on school grounds and demanded a $30,000 ransom to prevent detonation. While authorities quickly declared the threats a hoax after thorough searches, the incident has reignited concerns about the increasing frequency of such threats and the vulnerability of public spaces.
A surge in hoax threats:
This incident is not an isolated one. India has witnessed a dramatic surge in hoax bomb threats in recent months, targeting not just schools but also airlines, hotels, and railway stations. According to official data, airlines alone received a staggering 994 hoax threat calls in 2024, a dramatic increase from 122 in 2023. This year, October saw the highest number of threats with 666 calls, compared to just 15 in the same month last year.
The aftermath and investigation:
Following the threats, schools were immediately evacuated, and students were sent home. The Delhi Police launched a comprehensive investigation to identify the sender of the emails and trace their IP address. While no explosives were found, the incident caused significant disruption and anxiety among students, parents, and school authorities.
Echoes of past incidents:
This wave of bomb hoaxes comes on the heels of similar threats targeting CRPF schools across the country in October. One such threat was followed by an actual explosion at a CRPF school in Delhi's Rohini area, though thankfully, there were no casualties. A pro-Khalistani group claimed responsibility for the blast, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
The Broader implications:
The increasing frequency of hoax bomb threats raises several concerns:
- Disruption of Public Life: These threats cause significant disruption to daily life, affecting schools, transportation, and businesses.
- Strain on Resources: Responding to these threats requires significant resources from law enforcement and security agencies, diverting them from other critical tasks.
- Psychological Impact: Repeated threats can create a climate of fear and anxiety, impacting the well-being of individuals and communities.
While the recent bomb threats to Delhi schools proved to be a hoax, they serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of public spaces and the need for heightened vigilance. The alarming rise in such threats demands a comprehensive response, including stricter laws, improved cybersecurity measures, and public awareness campaigns. Addressing this growing menace is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of citizens and preventing further disruption to public life.
