Delhi-NCR, witnessed chaos as around 100 individuals in the region received bomb threats in the early hours of Wednesday. At least five schools in the southwest, three in the east, and 10 in South Delhi received emails around 4 a.m. on their official email IDs. These schools include Mother Mary School in Mayur Vihar, Delhi Public School in Dwarka, Sanskriti School in Chanakyapuri, Delhi Public School in Vasant Kunj, and Amity School in Saket.
Soon after the threats, the schools were immediately evacuated by the police upon receiving the information. “Information was received regarding a bomb threat at Delhi Public School, Dwarka. The Delhi Police, Bomb Disposal Squad, and fire tenders have arrived at the spot. A search is underway,” Delhi Police said in a statement.
“Initial investigations show that since yesterday, emails have been sent to many places, and it seems to follow the same pattern,” Delhi Police said. “The mail does not mention a deadline or BCC, which means that one message has been sent to many places. The investigation is ongoing,” it added.
“This is to inform you that the school has received an email that threatens the safety and security of the students. As a precaution, we are sending the students back home immediately,” DPS Noida’s principal’s office issued a statement. “Private commuters, please arrange to collect your child from the school premises as soon as possible at the respective gates. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding,” it added.
Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, said to the reporters that the Delhi police have traced the origins of the email. He said, “I want to assure the people of Delhi that Delhi Police is fully prepared, and we will try to prevent any untoward incident from happening.”
Indian Express reported that, prima facie, the emails appear to have originated from Russia. While bomb detection units, disposal teams, and Delhi Fire Service personnel are conducting thorough search operations at affected schools, the Delhi Police Crime Branch reported that similar threats have been received by airports and hospitals in the past two days.
Meanwhile, the Home Minister and the Delhi Police informed people that the threats were hoaxes and told people not to panic. As of now, Delhi Fire Service (DFS) has received a total of 97 bomb threat calls and emails in their control room by noon.
