Five Delhi Schools Receive Bomb Threat; 10 Such Incidents in Three Days Spark Panic

New Delhi, July 16, 2025:
A fresh wave of panic and disruption gripped India’s national capital on Wednesday morning as five private schools in Delhi received bomb threats via email, forcing school authorities to evacuate students and staff while security agencies conducted detailed inspections.

This marks the third consecutive day of such threats targeting schools in the city. In just three days, 10 bomb threats have been reported, all of which turned out to be hoaxes after thorough investigations by Delhi Police and bomb disposal squads.

Morning Panic and Quick Evacuations

Police said the email threats arrived early on Wednesday, triggering emergency protocols in affected schools.

• Students were escorted out in a calm but urgent manner.

• Parents received frantic calls to pick up their children.

• School staff cooperated with police in checking classrooms, playgrounds, and other areas.

A senior Delhi Police officer explained:

"We received calls from five different schools about bomb threats sent via email. Teams were immediately dispatched. All premises were thoroughly checked and nothing suspicious was found."

Sardar Patel Vidyalaya Among Targeted Schools

Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, a prestigious school in Lodhi Estate, was one of the institutions to receive the threat.

• Police said the email threatened an imminent explosion.

• Bomb disposal teams and sniffer dogs combed the entire campus.

• After several hours of search, the school was declared safe.

The incident sparked anxiety among parents. Many gathered outside the school gates, demanding updates and questioning how such threats could be sent so easily.

Ten Bomb Threats in Three Days

This incident is part of a worrying trend that has unfolded in the capital this week:

• On Monday and Tuesday, at least five schools each day received similar threats.

• All were declared hoaxes after exhaustive checks.

• The scale and coordination of the emails suggest a deliberate attempt to spread fear and chaos.

Police sources say the language and format of the emails bear similarities, suggesting a common sender or group. Investigators are working with cyber experts to trace the origin of the messages.

Parents and Schools on Edge

Parents of students at the targeted schools expressed deep concern.

• Many said they would keep their children home until they felt safe.

• Schools discussed stepping up security measures.

• Parent associations demanded stricter checks on school email systems and better police coordination.

A parent at Sardar Patel Vidyalaya shared:

"We don’t know if these are real or fake. But our children are terrified. Even if it is a hoax, the fear is real."

Police Response and Investigations

Delhi Police officials reassured the public that all threats are being treated seriously.

• Bomb Disposal Squads and local police stations have been instructed to respond immediately to any such alert.

• Quick Response Teams have been deployed in vulnerable areas.

• Cyber Crime Cell is investigating the emails, attempting to identify the sender’s IP address and location.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) for the area said:

"We appeal to the public to remain calm but alert. We are taking all possible steps to ensure safety. Hoax threats are a crime and we will trace and prosecute the culprits."

Standard Operating Procedures for Schools

Following these incidents, schools in Delhi have reviewed their emergency preparedness plans:

• Mock evacuation drills have been held in some schools.

• Security staff have been briefed on identifying suspicious items.

• School authorities have been asked to verify all emails and calls before reacting but to always err on the side of caution.

Delhi’s Directorate of Education has also issued fresh guidelines urging schools to be vigilant, maintain clear communication with parents, and cooperate fully with law enforcement.

Impact on Students and Teachers

While the threats turned out to be hoaxes, the psychological impact on children cannot be ignored.

• Students were seen crying as they were evacuated.

• Teachers tried to reassure them while following police instructions.

• Counselors in some schools have been asked to speak with students about coping with fear and anxiety.

Child psychologists warned that repeated threats could traumatise young children, making them afraid to attend school or participate in normal activities.

Political Reactions and Calls for Accountability

Several political leaders condemned the threats and urged the police to act swiftly.

• Delhi’s Chief Minister called it “an attack on the safety and peace of our children.”

• Demands were raised in the Delhi Assembly for the Centre to assist in the investigation.

• Some MPs wrote to the Home Ministry seeking better coordination between state and central agencies.

Tracing the Source: A Digital Challenge

Cyber security experts say tracing such emails can be complex.

• Perpetrators often use foreign servers, VPNs, or anonymous email services.

• Tracking them may require cooperation with international law enforcement.

But police officials remain confident:

"We have experience investigating such threats. We will find those responsible."

Legal Consequences for Hoax Threats

Authorities have warned that hoax bomb threats are a serious criminal offence.

• Under Indian Penal Code sections relating to public mischief and criminal intimidation, the sender faces severe penalties.

• Police say they will seek maximum punishment to deter future incidents.

A Pattern or a One-Off?

While India has seen sporadic hoax threats to schools before, the scale and coordination of these emails over three days is unusual.

• Experts suspect it could be the work of pranksters testing the system.

• Others fear it may be an attempt to create mass panic or disrupt education.

Police are investigating all angles, including the possibility of foreign interference.

Advice to Parents and Schools

Authorities have issued several tips:

• Remain calm but vigilant.

• Don’t dismiss any threat; report immediately to police.

• Teach children to follow safety instructions during evacuations.

• Avoid spreading rumours or unverified information on social media.

Conclusion: Ensuring Safety Without Fear

While Wednesday’s bomb threats turned out to be hoaxes, they serve as a reminder of the need for robust security and preparedness in schools.

• Parents, teachers, police, and local authorities must work together.

• Children’s safety and mental health should remain the top priority.

• Law enforcement must be given the resources and cooperation needed to track down those responsible.

As Delhi breathes a sigh of relief after yet another day without any real bombs being found, the city must stay alert — but determined not to let fear win.

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