Fear gripped parents and school authorities across Delhi this week as at least 10 educational institutions received bomb threats in just three days. On Wednesday morning, five reputed schools, including St. Thomas School in Dwarka and Vasant Valley School, received similar threatening emails, prompting emergency evacuations.
Fresh Threats, Familiar Fear
Wednesday marked the third consecutive day of such threats. Although police later declared all the threats hoaxes, schools had to act swiftly and responsibly. Students were immediately evacuated, and parents were contacted as the Delhi Fire Service (DFS) and bomb detection teams rushed to the sites.
According to police sources, St. Thomas School in Dwarka received bomb threats on two back-to-back days. Others targeted on Wednesday included Mother’s International School, Richmond Global School, and Sardar Patel Vidyalaya.
“We received alerts early in the morning about emails claiming explosives were planted on campus,” said a senior police officer. “Teams from the bomb squad and special cell were sent immediately. As of now, no suspicious materials have been found.”
Despite the panic, the police have reiterated that these emails are part of a hoax campaign. Still, they continue their investigation into the origin of the messages.
Timeline of Bomb Threats
- Monday (July 14): Navy School (Chanakyapuri), CRPF School (Dwarka), and one Rohini school receive threats.
- Tuesday (July 15): St. Thomas School and St. Stephen’s College targeted.
- Wednesday (July 16): Five schools including Sardar Patel Vidyalaya and Vasant Valley receive threats.
School’s Response: Prioritizing Student Safety
Sardar Patel Vidyalaya promptly informed parents through email, stating that due to the threat and under police advice, the school would remain closed for the day. “A bomb disposal squad is conducting full sanitization,” the message read. Students who had already reached the premises were sent back safely, and transportation arrangements were adjusted accordingly.
Parents Share Concerns
For many families, this repeated scare has turned routine mornings into nightmares. “My son was about to enter the school gate when we got the call. I panicked and rushed to pick him up,” said Renu Mehra, a parent of a Class 7 student at Mother’s International School.
Another parent shared, “This is the third day we’ve heard about threats. Even if they’re hoaxes, how can we send our kids with peace of mind?”
Who is Behind the Bomb Threat Emails?
So far, the sender remains unidentified. The emails, usually sent around 8 AM, claim that bombs or explosive materials have been planted in the school campuses. Authorities are now working with cybercrime teams to trace the origin.
Police have not ruled out the possibility of a coordinated effort to cause public panic. “We are examining the pattern and source of these emails,” said a cyber cell official. “Strict action will be taken once we locate the culprit.”
Student Well-Being and Mental Health
Schools are also working with counselors to help children cope with the shock. “Such incidents can cause long-term anxiety,” said psychologist Dr. Nupur Verma. “It’s important to talk to students and reassure them about their safety.”
Government and Public Response
Delhi’s Education Minister has urged police to speed up the investigation. Meanwhile, parents’ associations have demanded stronger cyber monitoring and school security measures.
While no actual bombs have been found so far, the psychological impact has been real and intense. Schools are likely to adopt stricter entry rules, increased CCTV monitoring, and emergency drills in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
As Delhi faces a wave of fake bomb threats, the need for stronger cyber vigilance and real-time coordination among schools, law enforcement, and parents becomes more urgent than ever. Authorities urge the public to remain calm but alert, and report any suspicious emails or behavior.
The investigation is ongoing, and updates are expected soon.