Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A Class 12 student has been detained by Delhi Police for orchestrating a series of bomb hoaxes across multiple schools in the city. The minor allegedly sent the threats to avoid appearing for exams, prompting widespread panic and multiple security alerts over the past few weeks.
Elaborate Scheme to Disrupt Exams
The accused reportedly sent at least six bomb threat emails, tagging different schools each time while avoiding his own. In one instance, he emailed 23 schools simultaneously to avoid suspicion. Police officials revealed that the student believed the threats would lead to exam cancellations, providing him an opportunity to skip them.
Impact on Schools and Authorities
The bomb hoaxes disrupted regular school activities, forcing authorities to send students home while bomb squads and sniffer dogs conducted thorough searches. No suspicious objects were found, but the threats caused significant panic among parents, students, and staff.
Notable incidents include a bomb threat last month targeting over 40 schools, including DPS RK Puram and GD Goenka School in Paschim Vihar, demanding $30,000 to defuse alleged bombs.
Broader Implications and Political Reactions
The frequent hoaxes triggered political criticism, with Chief Minister Atishi blaming the BJP-led central government for Delhi’s law and order situation. Delhi Police, under the Union Home Ministry, faced criticism for failing to address the recurring threats promptly.
In response to these incidents, Delhi Police, in collaboration with the Education Department, conducted seminars to train teachers and school staff in handling bomb threats and other emergency situations.
Wider Trend of Hoaxes
These school threats coincided with similar bomb hoaxes targeting airlines, leading to emergency landings, disrupted schedules, and increased panic. Last year, Delhi Police detained a 25-year-old unemployed man for a bomb hoax, while a 17-year-old in Mumbai was apprehended for sending threats to frame a friend.
The latest case highlights the misuse of technology by minors and the strain such actions place on law enforcement and public safety systems.
