Amid the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India, at least 100 schools in capital city Delhi and adjoining areas received bomb threats via email on Wednesday morning.
After the threat was received, the schools were evacuated as a precaution and Delhi Police conducted searches of the premises.
The schools which received the bomb threats included the Sanskriti School in Chanakyapuri, Mother Mary School at Mayur Vihar in east Delhi, Delhi Public School at Dwarka, Delhi Public School in Noida, Delhi Public School in Greater Noida and Aster Public School in Greater Noida West.
A bomb detection unit, bomb disposal team and a team from the Delhi Fire Service were mobilised to the schools, where they conducted a search operation.
“Information was received regarding a bomb in Delhi Public School, Dwarka. Delhi Police, Bomb Disposal Squad and fire tenders have arrived on the spot. Search is underway,” Delhi Police said in a statement.
According to officials, the schools received the threats on their official email accountss around 4 am (IST).
“We are taking all appropriate measures at the schools which have received bomb threats. I request parents not to panic, as nothing suspicious has been found,” Delhi Police spokesperson Suman Nalwa told reporters.
Delhi Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena has requested a detailed investigation from the Delhi Police chief and urged parents not to panic and cooperate with the administration to ensure safety of schools and children.
“The Delhi Police have traced the origin of the emails. I am assuring citizens of Delhi that the police are alert, getting leads, and will take strict action. The miscreants and culprits will not be spared,” Saxena told media.
But the Federal Home Ministry said that the threats appeared to be a hoax and there was no need to panic.
“There is no need to panic. It appears to be hoax call. Delhi Police and security agencies are taking necessary steps as per protocol,” the government said in a statement.
A similar threat at Delhi Police School in RK Puram in February of this year turned out to be hoax.