Police search 40 schools in Delhi over alarming bomb threats

In Delhi, India, police stepped up security and conducted searches of approximately 40 schools following anonymous bomb threats received via email. On Sunday night, two schools were among the first to receive these alarming messages, which demanded a ransom of $30,000 in exchange for not detonating bombs that were allegedly placed within the institutions. The subsequent morning brought additional threats to more schools, prompting further urgent responses from law enforcement. The overall atmosphere in the city is tense, as this year has seen a marked increase in hoax bomb threats across various public locations, including schools and transport hubs. Nearly 1,000 hoax bomb threats have been reported in Indian airlines and airports since January, resulting in widespread disruption during crucial travel periods. This spate of threats appears to be unprecedented compared to previous years, although the underlying reasons behind this surge remain unclear. May 2024 witnessed a particularly alarming incident where thousands of students in Delhi were evacuated from approximately 100 schools due to similar fake bomb threats. The recurring nature of these threats highlights growing concerns among parents regarding the safety and security of educational environments. Fear and panic are prevalent as parents, reacting to the latest threats, hurriedly collected their children from schools amidst ongoing police operations. Delhi's Chief Minister Atishi, representing the Aam Aadmi Party, has criticized the federal government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party for failing to ensure safety within the city. She has pointed to a worrying trend of increasing violence, including ransom calls, murders, and shootings. These sentiments reflect a growing frustration among residents facing chaos and insecurity in their daily lives. In contrast, the right to maintain order falls under the jurisdiction of the federally appointed lieutenant governor, who had not commented on the bomb threats up to that point. As police efforts continue to trace and identify the sender of the emails, the situation has created an atmosphere of paranoia among parents and guardians in Delhi.