Top Delhi schools get bomb threat e-mails in Punjabi, later declared hoax

Several prestigious institutions in Delhi received bomb threat emails on Tuesday morning, leading to extensive security checks and searches at the affected locations, officials reported, but later confirmed the threats to be a hoax. Notable schools targeted included Air Force Bal Bharati School (AFBBS), Carmel Convent School, Sardar Patel Vidyalaya (SPV), and The British School.

The emails, received at 10.17 am, were written in Punjabi and contained ominous warnings of explosions at specific times and locations, urging individuals to avoid using Metro and trains. The messages also threatened police stations and courts, such as Tis Hazari, Karkardooma, and Patiala House. One email bore the subject line: “B00000M|B New Dellhi Schools @ 1:11PM”.

Upon receiving the threats, the Delhi Police initiated a security operation at the affected schools, deploying Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads, sniffer dog teams, and standby fire tenders and ambulances. Sniffer dogs thoroughly inspected classrooms, corridors, open areas, and other parts of the campuses, while bomb disposal personnel performed scans of the premises using specialized equipment.

Local police forces were stationed outside the schools to ensure security and manage crowds of parents who gathered in response to the threats. No explosive devices were discovered during the searches. This incident is part of a series of bomb threat emails targeting schools and other institutions in Delhi over the past three years.

Authorities are currently reviewing the email contents and technical details to determine if the latest threats are linked to the previous series of messages aimed at schools and public institutions across the capital.