Over 40 Delhi schools receive hoax bomb threats via email

New Delhi: Two private schools in Delhi received bomb threats on Monday morning, confirmed an official from the Delhi Fire Service (DFS). Following this initial report, it was later found out that over 40 other schools across the city had also received similar threats.

Although these threats triggered concern, they have turned out to be a hoax, as no suspicious items were found in any of the schools.

According to the Delhi Police, the email read, "I planted multiple bombs inside (school) buildings. The bombs are small and hidden very well. It will not cause much damage to the building, but many people will be injured when the bombs detonate. If I do not receive $30,000 I will detonate the bombs."

The DFS official said calls of bomb threats were received from DPS RK Puram at 7.06 am and GD Goenka Paschim Vihar at 6.15 am.

The fire officials, including the dog squad, bomb detection teams, and local police, reached the schools and conducted the search operation. Although nothing suspicious was found, a police official said. 

The Delhi High Court on November 19 instructed the Delhi Government and Delhi Police to develop a comprehensive action plan, including a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address bomb threats and related emergencies. The Court has set a deadline of eight weeks for the completion of these directives.

The SOP must define the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders--law enforcement, school management, and municipal authorities--ensuring smooth coordination and effective implementation, said the Court.

The bench of Justice Sanjeev Narula, while addressing an application moved by Advocate Arpit Bhargava, directed the Delhi Government and Delhi Police to finalize a comprehensive action plan, including a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to address bomb threats and related emergencies.

The action plan must be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders, including school representatives, law enforcement agencies, municipal authorities, and other state departments.

(with inputs from PTI and ANI)