Delhi Schools Face Bomb Threats in Punjabi Emails; VPN Suspected
On Monday morning, a wave of bomb threat emails targeted more than a dozen schools across Delhi, creating significant security concerns and prompting immediate emergency responses. The threatening messages, which were written in Punjabi and sent via Gmail, are believed to have originated from an unknown individual using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to conceal their identity.
Massive Security Response and School Evacuations
According to officials from the Delhi Fire Service (DFS), they received distress calls from approximately ten schools between 8:33 AM and 9:17 AM. In response, fire tenders were dispatched alongside specialized teams including the Bomb Detection Team (BDT), Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), and Dog Squad to conduct thorough searches of the premises.
Prominent institutions affected included Delhi Public School (DPS) and Bal Bharati in Rohini, as well as Sardar Patel Vidyalaya in Lodi Estate. Despite the extensive security sweeps, police authorities confirmed that no suspicious items or explosive devices were discovered during the operations.
School Communications and Parental Notifications
To prevent panic and ensure transparency, the impacted schools promptly notified parents about the security threats through official messages. Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, for instance, sent a detailed communication explaining the situation and the precautionary measures being implemented.
The school's message stated: "This morning, the school received a security threat. As a precautionary measure, the authorities have been immediately informed, and the bomb squad is conducting a thorough inspection of the entire campus. All students have been evacuated safely."
It further emphasized: "Student safety remains our highest priority, and all necessary protocols are being followed. Once the school is declared safe, classes will be resumed. We appreciate your trust, cooperation, and understanding as we work to ensure a safe and secure environment for all our students."
Historical Context and Ongoing Investigation
This incident follows a similar pattern observed on January 29, when at least eight schools in Delhi received bomb threat emails from an unidentified person who also utilized a VPN to send the messages. Most previous email threats of this nature have remained unsolved by law enforcement agencies, highlighting the challenges in tracking cyber-enabled threats.
The use of Punjabi language in the emails adds a distinctive element to this case, potentially indicating specific targeting or regional connections. Authorities are currently analyzing the digital footprints and technical aspects of the emails to identify the perpetrator and understand the motives behind these alarming communications.
As the investigation continues, security protocols at educational institutions across the capital are being reviewed and strengthened to prevent similar incidents in the future. The collaboration between school administrations, police, and emergency services during this event demonstrates the critical importance of coordinated response mechanisms in ensuring public safety.
