Authorities declared the threats a hoax after swift searches in 44 schools, including DPS RK Puram and GD Goenka

A wave of panic swept through Delhi on Sunday morning when over 40 schools, including well-known institutions such as DPS RK Puram and GD Goenka School in Paschim Vihar, received bomb threats. The email, sent at 11:38 pm on the previous night, warned of bombs planted inside school buildings, demanding $30,000 to disarm them. The sender’s message ominously stated that the devices were “well hidden” and claimed that while damage to the structures would be minimal, many people could be injured when they detonated.

In the early hours of the morning, as students were arriving, parents dropped off their children, and staff prepared for assembly, the Delhi Fire Department received the first call. GD Goenka School alerted them at 6:15 am, closely followed by DPS RK Puram at 7:06 am. With immediate urgency, bomb detection teams, including sniffer dogs, were deployed to the affected schools. Authorities worked quickly to investigate the situation, but after extensive checks, no suspicious items were found, confirming the threats were nothing more than a hoax.

The scare led to the evacuation of students, who were sent home as a safety precaution. Despite the all-clear from the authorities, the incident has sparked alarm across the city, raising concerns about public safety. Delhi’s political leaders were quick to criticise the law and order situation. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to social media, questioning the central government’s ability to maintain security in the national capital. In his post, Kejriwal demanded answers from Home Minister Amit Shah, highlighting the breakdown in law enforcement that allowed such incidents to unfold.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also expressed concern, calling out the BJP-led government for failing to curb the rise in threats, violence, and other criminal activities in the city. “The law and order situation in Delhi has never been so bad before,” she said. Former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia echoed her sentiments, condemning the state of fear that now surrounds Delhi’s citizens, particularly parents who worry for the safety of their children.

This bomb hoax comes on the heels of an explosion outside a CRPF school in Rohini earlier this year. The October blast had caused damage to the school’s wall, as well as nearby shops and vehicles, sparking further fears of unsafe public spaces. In response, schools had also been placed on high alert, with similar bomb threats being investigated at the time. Just days later, a threat was issued to all CRPF schools, which was later proven to be a hoax as well.

The most recent hoax has raised more than just concerns about safety—it has sparked a political firestorm. Kejriwal and his party have argued that the government must urgently address the growing concerns of Delhi’s residents, particularly when it comes to the safety of children in educational institutions. Delhi’s opposition parties are pushing for stronger measures to protect the public from such hoaxes and the rising tide of violent incidents.

As the investigation into the email sender continues, the Delhi Police are tracing the IP address used to send the message. The authorities have assured the public that they are treating the incident seriously and are committed to uncovering those responsible for causing panic and fear. However, the episode highlights a broader issue that continues to plague the city: a sense of unease over the law and order situation, which has been exacerbated by a spate of criminal threats and acts of violence in recent months.