Numerous Schools in India’s Capital Receive Bomb Threats

Authorities in Delhi, India’s capital, conducted searches at approximately 40 schools following the receipt of anonymous bomb threats, a police spokesperson informed the BBC. According to news agency ANI, the schools were sent emails demanding a payment of $30,000 (£23,582) to the sender to prevent bomb detonations. While no explosive devices have been discovered so far, law enforcement officials have not yet verified the authenticity of these threats. India has frequently experienced disruptions at educational institutions, railway stations, and airports due to hoax bomb threats, a trend particularly noticeable this year. By November 14, India’s aviation sector, including airlines and airports, had recorded nearly 1,000 such false alarms, resulting in significant delays and flight diversions. The reason behind this notable increase compared to prior years remains undetermined. In May, a similar incident occurred when thousands of students were evacuated from approximately 100 schools within and near Delhi due to emailed fake bomb threats. On Monday morning, footage depicted parents collecting their children from schools. A parent, observed collecting their child, expressed concern to news agency IANS, stating, “This is the second time this year that something like this has happened. It is wrong and affects our child’s education.” ANI reported that two of the affected schools received the threatening emails on Sunday night, with the remaining schools receiving them on Monday morning. A Delhi Police spokesperson informed local media that efforts are underway to pinpoint the email’s origin and identify the individual responsible for sending it. Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, who uses a single name, criticized the federal government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for allegedly failing to guarantee the safety of the city’s inhabitants. She posted on X, “After daily incidents of ransom, murders, and shootings in Delhi, now we are receiving threats of school bombings.” While the Delhi government is administered by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the police force operates under the jurisdiction of the federal home ministry. The federally appointed lieutenant governor, who serves as Delhi’s constitutional head, has not yet issued a statement regarding the bomb threats.