New Delhi, May 1 (UNI) Fear descended in almost all schools of Delhi and many in adjoining Noida and Ghaziabad on Wednesday after receipt of an email threatening a terror attack, which was later declared as a “hoax” by the police and the government.
The email prompted disruption of studies, evacuation and massive searches in the schools.
As news about the email spread, the schools sent their students home early, much to the relief of the anxious parents.
The email, containing threats, was sent to multiple users at around 4.30 am.
“Multiple schools have received similar bomb threat emails. We are checking each and every school and are in contact with the school administration,” the police said.
Immediately after receiving information about the threats, the police took action and evacuated all the schools.
Proper SoPs were followed and all out efforts were made to ensure that there was no panic among the students.
The schools were closed and the students were sent back home, a Delhi Police officer said.
Bomb Detection, along with sniffer dogs, and Disposal Squad and Delhi Fire Service units were sent to the schools and thorough searches were carried out. But no explosive or any other kind of harmful object was found.
“We have checked all the schools and nothing has been found, there is no need to panic,” Deputy Commissioner of Police, New Delhi, Devesh Kumar Mahla told reporters hours after the fear struck the educational institutions.
Delhi Police spokesperson Suman Nalla said the email had been sent to create panic.
She, however, refused to divulge the exact number of schools that received the threatening email.
There were reports that the threatening email was received by Delhi Public School’s Dwarka and Vasant Kunj units, Mother Mary School in East Mayur Vihar, Sanskriti School in Chanakyapuri, Amity School in Pushp Vihar, and DAV School in South West Delhi. DPS Noida also reportedly received the bombing threat.
Amid chaos, Delhi Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena spoke to Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora and sought a detailed report.
He directed the Police to carry out a thorough search of school premises, identify the culprits and ensure there are no lapses.
He urged parents not to panic and co-operate with the administration in ensuring the safety of schools and the children.
The miscreants and culprits will not be spared, the LG said.
Delhi Education Minister Atishi posted on X from her official handle (@AtishiAAP) and said: “Some schools have received bomb threats today morning. Students have been evacuated and those premises are being searched by Delhi Police. So far nothing has been found in any of the schools.
“We are in constant touch with the Police and the schools. Would request parents and citizens not to panic. School authorities will be in touch with parents wherever needed.”
Hours later, Delhi Police posted on social media X, “Some schools of Delhi received E-mails regarding bomb threats. Police have conducted thorough check of all such schools as per protocol. Nothing objectionable has been found. It appears that these calls seem to be hoax. We request the public not to panic and maintain peace.”
The Home Affairs Ministry also posted on X, “There is no need to panic. Mails appear to be hoax. Delhi Police and security agencies are taking necessary steps as per protocol”.
