A prominent school in Mumbai was thrust into a state of emergency on Monday morning after receiving a chilling email threat, prompting a massive security response and the evacuation of hundreds of students and staff.
Swift Evacuation and Security Response
At precisely 10:05 am on Monday, authorities at Billabong High School in Santacruz West initiated an immediate evacuation. The action was taken after the school administration received an email that threatened a bomb explosion on the campus. The evacuation was executed swiftly and without panic, ensuring the safety of all students, teachers, and non-teaching staff.
Leading the security operation was Assistant Police Inspector Suyog Amrutkar from the elite Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS). His team promptly alerted and mobilized the fire brigade and ambulance services to the location. Within minutes, a multi-agency force descended upon the school premises.
Intensive Search Operation Conducted
The response teams included local Santacruz police, the fire brigade, and the specialized Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS). Officers launched a meticulous, floor-by-floor search of the entire school building and its surrounding areas. The search was extensive, leaving no corner unchecked for any potential explosive device.
After completing the thorough sweep, the authorities confirmed that the threat was a hoax. No explosive material or device was found anywhere on the school grounds. A police official from Santacruz stated, "The school premises were swiftly evacuated... Officers then launched a thorough search... and confirmed that no explosive device had been found. The locality remains under strict security checks as a precaution."
Wider Impact and Area Security
The security cordon and precautionary measures extended beyond the school. Adjacent buildings in the same complex were also evacuated as a safety measure. These included the well-known Aajivasan Studio, owned by renowned singer Suresh Wadkar, and a wedding hall that frequently hosts large gatherings. Both premises, which typically see considerable footfall, were sealed off while bomb squads scanned them for any threats.
Multiple police teams continued to inspect public access points across the Santacruz West area throughout the day. The incident caused significant disruption but ultimately ended without any injury or damage, highlighting the efficiency of Mumbai's emergency response protocols in dealing with such security scares.
