Bomb Threat Emails Trigger Panic and Evacuations at Mohali Private Schools
Several prominent private schools in Mohali were thrown into chaos early Wednesday morning after receiving bomb threat emails from an anonymous sender. The alarming messages, which warned of potential explosions, led to immediate security responses, including evacuations, class suspensions, and comprehensive searches by law enforcement agencies.
Swift Police Action and School Responses
According to officials, the threatening emails arrived around 7:30 AM on the official email addresses of the affected institutions. Key schools impacted include Yadavindra Public School (YPS) in Sector 51, Learning Paths School in Sector 67, and Manav Mangal Smart School in Sector 88, among others. School authorities promptly alerted the Mohali police, triggering a rapid deployment of security personnel.
"At around 7:30 am today, many prominent schools in Mohali received a threatening email. Our bomb disposal squad, anti-sabotage teams, police station staff, RGOs, DSPs, and SPs are on the ground conducting thorough checks. As a precaution, we have cordoned off the schools, declared a holiday for students and staff, and initiated searches. So far, nothing suspicious has been found," stated Dilpreet Singh, Superintendent of Police (City), Mohali.
Singh emphasized that investigations are actively ongoing, with authorities considering all possibilities. The police have treated the matter with utmost seriousness, mobilizing resources to ensure public safety.
School Management and Parental Communications
A representative from Learning Paths School detailed the immediate actions taken: "The email was received at 7.30 am. The police were informed immediately, and a circular was sent to parents about the threat. Students who had already reached were sent back from the gates."
The official added, "The safety of our students is our highest priority. The school has declared a holiday for the day. Once security agencies complete sanitisation checks, another circular will be issued to parents confirming the status." This proactive communication aimed to minimize panic and keep families informed during the unsettling incident.
Cyber Investigation and Historical Context
The Mohali police have launched a cyber cell investigation to trace the origin and location of the threatening emails. Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the sender, highlighting the growing role of digital forensics in modern crime-solving.
This incident echoes a similar scare reported in Chandigarh last month. On January 28, at least 30 schools across Chandigarh received comparable emails, leading to large-scale security operations and temporary class suspensions. In that case, emails were sent between 6 AM and 8 AM from a newly created Gmail account, and after extensive searches, no explosives or suspicious materials were found on any campus.
Ongoing Vigilance and Community Impact
The bomb threats have underscored the vulnerabilities of educational institutions to cyber-enabled disruptions. While no physical threats have been substantiated, the psychological impact on students, parents, and staff is significant, raising concerns about security protocols and emergency preparedness.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The investigation remains open, with police working to determine the motives behind the threats and prevent future occurrences.
