Bomb threats emailed to six Delhi schools early Friday have once again raised alarms about student safety and security in the capital. The incident, the second in just a week, follows the December 9 scare when 44 schools were targeted with similar threats that were later declared hoaxes. The repeated disruptions have led to public concern over the psychological impact on children and the need for stricter preventive measures.
The schools affected on Friday include Bhatnagar International School (Paschim Vihar), Cambridge School (Shri Niwas Puri), DPS Amar Colony (East of Kailash), South Delhi Public School (Defence Colony), Delhi Police Public School (Safdarjung), and Venkateshwar Global School (Rohini). Between 4:21 am and 8:30 am, these schools reported receiving emails warning of bomb blasts. Authorities quickly mobilized, deploying bomb squads, police teams, fire services, and dog units to inspect the premises. Parents were alerted and asked to keep their children at home or pick them up from school.
The threatening emails, sent at 12:54 am, deceptively referenced routine school activities like “parent-teachers’ meetings” and “sports day” before warning of impending blasts on Friday and Saturday. Cambridge School principal Madhavi Goswami discovered the email during her routine morning check and promptly informed the police. She announced a switch to online classes for the day, assuring parents that safety precautions were in place.
Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal criticized the recurrence of such threats, highlighting their impact on children’s mental health and academic focus. “This is extremely worrying. If such incidents continue, what will happen to the children’s education and well-being?” he asked on social media, urging authorities to act decisively.
Delhi Police confirmed that extensive searches were being conducted to ensure the safety of students and staff. At South Delhi Public School, parents were instructed to collect their children after the school decided to suspend classes.
This latest incident comes on the heels of the December 9 bomb scare, which led to the evacuation of thousands of students across 44 schools in Delhi. Those emails were deemed hoaxes after thorough searches yielded no evidence of explosives, but they caused widespread panic and disruptions. Security measures were ramped up, with emergency teams stationed at key locations and heightened school vigilance.
The repeated nature of these incidents has drawn sharp criticism from parents and educators alike. Many have called for robust action to identify and punish those behind the threats. Experts also stress the importance of addressing the potential psychological toll on students, who may experience heightened anxiety or fear as a result of these incidents.
Authorities are continuing investigations to trace the source of the emails while reviewing security protocols to prevent such disruptions in the future. The education community and law enforcement agencies are collaborating to restore confidence and ensure a safe environment for learning.