NEW DELHI: Over 40 private schools in Delhi were targeted with bomb threat emails on Monday morning, prompting immediate safety measures. Among the affected institutions were Delhi Public School (DPS) in Vasant Kunj and R.K. Puram, G.D. Goenka School, Doon Public School in Paschim Vihar, and Brilliant’s Convent School in Pitampura.
Emergency calls were first reported by DPS R.K. Puram at 7:06 AM and G.D. Goenka in Paschim Vihar at 6:15 AM. Teams from the Delhi Police, Fire Services, bomb disposal squads, and dog squads quickly arrived at the schools to secure the premises.
The emails claimed that multiple bombs had been hidden inside the buildings, threatening harm to students and staff unless a ransom of $30,000 was paid. One email read:
“I planted multiple bombs inside the building. The bombs are small and hidden very well. It will not cause much damage to the building, but many people will be injured when the bombs detonate. You all deserve to suffer and lose limbs. If I do not receive $30,000, I will detonate the bombs.”
As a precaution, the schools sent students home and urged parents to pick up their children. Thorough searches of the premises were still underway.
Court Mandates Action Plan for Bomb Threat Management
This incident comes shortly after the Delhi High Court instructed local authorities on November 19 to develop a comprehensive action plan and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to handle bomb threats and emergencies. Justice Sanjeev Narula’s bench directed the Delhi Government and police to collaborate with school management, law enforcement agencies, and municipal authorities to establish clear protocols within eight weeks.
Political Leaders Criticize Security Lapses
The bomb threats drew sharp criticism from Delhi’s political leaders. Chief Minister Atishi accused the BJP-led central government of failing to maintain law and order, posting on X:
“After daily incidents of ransom, murders, and shootings in Delhi, now schools are receiving bomb threats. The BJP-ruled central government has failed in its only task of providing security.”
Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah, saying:
“The people of Delhi have never seen such a bad state of law and order. Amit Shah ji should come and answer the people of Delhi.”
Authorities are investigating the threats while ensuring that safety protocols are followed across schools.
