Panic Grips Bengaluru’s Schools
Panic swept across Bengaluru on Friday morning as 15 private schools received bomb threat emails. The emails, sent from the ID roadkill333@atomicmail.io, triggered massive searches across the city. Police later confirmed the threats were hoaxes.
According to The Hindu, the emails were received around 7:31 a.m. and warned of explosives hidden inside classrooms in black plastic bags.
Police Swing into Action
The Bengaluru Police immediately deployed anti-sabotage teams, bomb squads, and sniffer dogs to the affected campuses. While some schools declared a holiday, others asked students to remain until the checks concluded.
Joint Commissioner of Police (West), C. Vamsi Krishna, confirmed the developments. He noted that the final number of schools targeted might rise as more reports come in.
Email Message Was Deeply Disturbing
The email wasn’t just a bomb threat. It carried an alarming psychological undertone. The sender expressed personal anguish, blaming society and mental health systems. Quotes from the message included:
- “I truly hate my life.”
- “You all deserve this. You deserve to suffer just like me.”
- “Psychiatrists never help. They only medicate you to death.”
This emotional narrative has raised concern among authorities about the sender’s mental state and intentions.
Previous Incidents Mirror the Threat
This isn’t the first time Bengaluru schools faced such threats. In November 2023, over 70 schools received similar emails. Those too were found to be hoaxes.
Delhi schools have also seen a wave of bomb hoaxes. Over 45 institutions were targeted in May 2025, sparking national concern.
Authorities Treating Threats Seriously
While the current threats appear to be hoaxes, authorities are treating them with utmost seriousness. Police are collecting statements and may consolidate the complaints into a single FIR to streamline the investigation.
Cybercrime teams are now tracking the email source. The ID used—hosted on atomicmail.io—is under scrutiny. Karnataka’s High Court has already asked the Union Government to block another encrypted mail service, Proton Mail, over misuse concerns.
Mental Health, Cybersecurity in Focus
The emotional nature of the email has reignited debates around mental health awareness and the misuse of anonymous platforms.
The sender’s message claimed failure in psychiatric help and criticized medications, suggesting deeper trauma. Experts say this highlights the urgent need for better mental health outreach, especially among youth.
Schools and Parents on High Alert
Several schools opted to shut down for the day. Others resumed normal operations after thorough checks.
Parents rushed to pick up their children, while many expressed concern over school security. Education departments are expected to issue new safety protocols soon.
What’s Next?
The Bengaluru Police are coordinating with national intelligence and cybercrime units. If found guilty, the perpetrator could face serious cyberterrorism charges under Indian law.
Authorities urge the public not to panic but to stay vigilant. Any suspicious communication should be reported immediately.
Caption: Students were sent home as a precautionary measure after bomb threat hoax. | Photo: The Hindu
Conclusion
While the bomb threats in Bengaluru turned out to be fake, they’ve left a deep psychological impact. Authorities must enhance both school security and mental health support systems to prevent such incidents in the future.
This event is a wake-up call for educational institutions, parents, and policymakers alike.
