Delhi, India’s bustling capital, was thrown into chaos after a series of bomb threats were emailed to several prominent schools and the country’s central bank. This is the second time in a week that such threats have shaken the city, leading to mass evacuations and heightened security measures.
Threats to Schools Spark Panic
On Friday, emails claiming that explosives had been planted were sent to major schools, including Delhi Public School East of Kailash, Salwan School, Modern School, and Cambridge School. The messages, reportedly sent by a group on the dark web, warned of “powerful bombs” capable of destroying buildings and harming people.
One chilling detail in the email stated:
“I am sure that you all do not check your students’ bags frequently when they enter the school premises. The bombs are powerful enough to destroy the buildings and harm people.”
The threats appeared to be timed with parent-teacher meetings scheduled for December 14, adding to the anxiety.
Immediate Response
Authorities acted swiftly. Students and staff were evacuated, while police, bomb squads, fire department officials, and even sniffer dogs were deployed to comb the premises. So far, no explosives have been found, but the investigation is ongoing.
Police suspect that these threats may be hoaxes, but they are taking no chances. “We are following all protocols to ensure safety,” an official stated.
RBI Receives a Bomb Threat
Adding to the tension, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in Mumbai also received a bomb threat. An email, written in Russian, threatened to blow up the financial institution. Mumbai Police have launched an investigation and registered a case against unidentified individuals.
This wasn’t the first such threat to the RBI. Last month, someone claiming to be the “CEO of Lashkar-e-Taiba,” a terrorist organization, threatened the bank through its customer care line.
A Troubling Pattern
These incidents are part of a worrying trend. Just a few days ago, over 40 schools in Delhi received similar threats via email, which turned out to be hoaxes. Earlier this year, over 100 schools were evacuated after another series of bomb threats. Investigations traced some of these emails to Russian domains.
Even airlines have not been spared, with bomb threats disrupting their operations earlier this year.
What’s Behind the Threats?
Experts believe these emails are likely part of a larger cyber-terrorism or hoax campaign, designed to spread panic and disrupt normal life. Authorities are now investigating whether the recent threats are connected to earlier incidents or are the work of copycats.
Public Urged to Stay Calm
While security forces are on high alert, the Indian Home Ministry has reassured the public. Officials have labeled many of these threats as hoaxes but emphasized the importance of following safety protocols.
“Public safety is our top priority, and we are leaving no stone unturned to ensure it,” a senior official said.
As Delhi grapples with these alarming incidents, the authorities remain focused on keeping the city safe and uncovering the culprits behind the chaos.
