India witnessed an unprecedented surge in bomb threats across various sectors, including schools, airports, and government establishments, in May 2024. The recent spate of threats has raised concerns about the potential for real attacks and the effectiveness of security measures in place to prevent them
Bomb Threats in School
On May 1, 2024, around 100 schools in Delhi and Noida received bomb threats via Emile, prompting widespread panic and evacuations. The emails, which included verses from the Quran, were sent to schools in both cities, with several schools in the south district of Delhi and Darka receiving the threats. The Delhi Police, along with bomb disposal and dog squads, conducted searches at the schools but found nothing suspicious.
Bomb Threats in Airports
On May 28, 2024, a Varanasi-bound IndiGo flight at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi received a bomb threat, leading to the evacuation of all 176 passengers and crew. The threat was found written on a price of paper in the lavatory, prompting a thorough inspection that ultimately revealed the threat to be a hoax. This incident is the latest in a series of bomb threats at Indian airports, including a similar incident on May 16, 2024, involving an Air India flight from Delhi to Vadodara.
Bomb Threats in Government Establishments
Bomb threats have also been reported at government establishments, including the Union Home Ministry and several Delhi University colleges. On May 23, 2024, three luxury hotels in Bengaluru received bomb threats via email, which were later dismissed as hoaxes. The Delhi University colleges received similar threats, which were also found to be false.
Impact on Public
The recent bomb threats have caused widespread panic among the public, particularly parents whose children attend schools that received the threats. The evacuations and searches have disrupted normal activities and caused inconvenience to many. The authorities have assured citizens that they are taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of the public.
Investigation and Response
The Delhi Police and other law enforcement agencies investigated the bomb threats, tracing the emails and identifying the culprits. The Delhi Lieutenant Governor, V.L. Saxena, has directed the police to conduct a thorough search of school premises and identify the culprits, ensuring that there are no lapses in security. The police have also traced the origin of the emails and are working to apprehend the individuals responsible.
Conclusion
The alarming rise in bomb threats in India in May 2024 highlights the need for enhanced security measures and a more effective response to these threats. The authorities must ensure that they are proactive in addressing these threats and that the public is kept informed about the situation. The recent incidents also underscore the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies, schools, and the public in preventing and responding to such threats.
