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Indian Schools and Infrastructure Targeted in Surge of Hoax Bomb Threats
A wave of hoax bomb threats has gripped India, causing widespread fear and disruption. Schools, crucial infrastructure, and even iconic landmarks have been targeted in recent months, raising concerns about security and national safety.
On Monday, December 9th, panic gripped several Delhi schools as more than 40 institutions received bomb threats via email. The Delhi Public School in RK Puram and GD Goenka in Paschim Vihar were among those evacuated as bomb disposal squads and fire officials rushed to the scene.
Fortunately, no explosives were found, and the threats were deemed hoaxes. However, the incident caused considerable anxiety among students, parents, and staff.
This series of threats comes just a week after another Delhi school, Venkateshwar Global School in Rohini, received a similar hoax threat. The seemingly targeted nature of these attacks has raised alarm bells, highlighting the vulnerability of educational institutions to such disruptions.
A Pattern of Fear: Bomb Threats on the Rise
The recent Delhi school threats are part of a troubling national trend. Throughout 2024, hoax bomb threats have become increasingly frequent, plaguing schools, transportation hubs, and even high-profile individuals.
In October, email threats targeting multiple CRPF schools across India sparked widespread panic. While the initial threat was detected in Tamil Nadu, schools across the nation were alerted, leading to closures and evacuations. These threats were later deemed hoaxes.
Adding to the anxiety is a disturbing incident from October 20th, when a powerful explosion ripped through the wall of a CRPF school in Delhi’s Rohini area. While no casualties were reported, the incident heightened fears about the vulnerability of these institutions.
A pro-Khalistani group claimed responsibility for the blast on Telegram, further fueling tensions. Just weeks prior, three schools in Madurai were targeted with bomb threats via email, forcing students to be sent home early.
The wave of threats extends beyond educational institutions. In August, Summer Fields School in Kailash Colony, Greater Kailash-1, received a bomb threat through email, leading to a school evacuation. The threat was later found to be a hoax perpetrated by a 14-year-old student attempting to skip school.
Earlier in the year, over 60 schools in the Delhi-NCR region were evacuated following bomb threats. In a separate incident, around 200 government and private schools across Kolkata and its outskirts received ominous emails warning of explosive devices planted on their premises.
Beyond Schools: Hoax Threats Crippling Other Industries
The surge in hoax threats is not confined to educational institutions. Numerous hotels, railway stations, and airlines across India have been targeted with similar threats, leading to widespread disruption and chaos.
Civil Aviation Minister Murlidhar Mohol revealed a startling surge in hoax bomb threat calls targeting airlines. Threat calls rose from 122 in 2023 to a staggering 999 in 2024, representing a 714.7 percent increase.
The month of October witnessed the highest number of threats against airlines, with 666 reported incidents, followed by June with 122. In contrast, the highest number of threats in all of 2023 was only 15, recorded in September and October.
These threats have had a significant impact on airline operations, leading to delays, flight cancellations, and severe disruptions for passengers.
Police have received 256 complaints regarding these threats and have arrested 12 individuals suspected
How can we effectively address the root causes of hoax threats and prevent them from escalating into more serious issues?
Interviewer: “The sheer volume of hoax threats is alarming, and it’s causing significant disruption across various sectors. Some might argue these are harmless pranks while others see them as a sign of a more serious societal issue. Where do you stand on this, and what do you think are the long-term consequences if these threats continue unchecked?”