Hoax Threats Shake Delhi Schools
Over 40 schools in Delhi, including prominent institutions like Delhi Public School RK Puram and GD Goenka Public School Paschim Vihar, were targeted with hoax bomb threats via email. Sent late Sunday night, the emails claimed bombs were planted on school campuses and demanded $30,000 to prevent explosions. Authorities promptly evacuated students and shut down the schools as a precaution.
Police Investigations Underway
The Delhi Police declared the threats hoaxes after thorough checks found nothing suspicious. Efforts are currently underway to trace the email sender and ascertain the IP location. This incident highlights the growing misuse of technology to create panic and disrupt public institutions.
A Pattern of Rising Threats
This incident follows a similar trend witnessed in October 2024, when multiple CRPF schools, including two in Delhi and one in Hyderabad, received bomb threats via email. While those threats also turned out to be hoaxes, they created significant disruptions, including evacuations and heightened security measures. In one instance, a pro-Khalistani group claimed responsibility for a blast at a CRPF school in Delhi’s Rohini area, further compounding fears.
Hoax Threats Across Sectors
The menace of hoax bomb threats is not confined to schools. Recent months have seen a sharp rise in such incidents across various sectors. According to official data, Indian airlines alone received 994 bomb threats in 2024, a staggering 714% increase from 2023’s figure of 122. October 2024 saw the highest number of threats at 666 calls. Hotels, train stations, and other public facilities have also been targeted, highlighting the need for stringent action.
Urgent Need for Stronger Measures
As hoax threats continue to disrupt daily life, experts emphasize the need for robust cybersecurity measures and faster legal actions against perpetrators. Enhancing digital literacy, improving cyber forensics, and fostering public awareness can mitigate the impact of such incidents and ensure public safety.
Conclusion
The recent spate of hoax bomb threats across Delhi schools and other sectors underscores the urgency to strengthen preventive measures. A collaborative effort involving law enforcement, technology experts, and public institutions is crucial to curbing this growing menace.
