New Delhi: A private school in Dwarka received yet another bomb threat on Friday, marking the sixth such incident in the past eleven days. The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) reported that the threat was communicated via a call received at 5:02 am from Delhi Public School (DPS), Dwarka in Sector 23. This incident is part of an alarming trend of bomb threats directed at schools across Delhi, raising significant concerns for the safety and psychological well-being of students.
Timeline of Recent Threats
The pattern of bomb threats escalated notably in December. On December 9, at least 40 schools received alarming emails purporting that bombs had been planted on their premises, threatening detonation unless a ransom of $30,000 was paid. The messages claimed that while the bombs would not cause extensive damage to the buildings, injuries could occur during explosions.
Just a few days later, on December 13, around 30 schools were targeted with similar hoaxes, which prompted a multi-agency response investigation. This was closely followed by bomb threats to eight schools, including DPS RK Puram, on December 14. The following days saw the threat level remain elevated, with further schools receiving communications indicating the intention to use “bomb vests.”
Investigative Developments
Authorities have taken steps to identify those responsible for these threats. On December 14, the Delhi Police Special Cell arrested a student from a private school in Paschim Vihar after tracing the IP address of a threat email back to his home. Upon investigation, the student confessed to the act and was subsequently counseled, with his parents instructed to monitor his behavior.
Impact on Students and Education
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has expressed concern over the ongoing threats, highlighting their potential detrimental effects on students’ mental health and educational progression. He emphasized that continuous threats could severely disrupt children’s education and exacerbate psychological distress.
In response to this pervasive issue, the Delhi High Court has mandated the Delhi government and police to develop a robust Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for managing bomb threats and related emergencies, providing an eight-week deadline for implementation.
Government’s Response
With the rising frequency of bomb threats targeting schools and concerns over security in the capital, Kejriwal has reached out to Home Minister Amit Shah, urging collaboration and prompt action. He noted that while schools and airports are facing similar threats, drug-related crimes have surged dramatically, intensifying public fear regarding safety in the city. Kejriwal has publicly critiqued the central government, asserting that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is struggling to maintain law and order in the national capital.
As authorities work to address these challenges, educational institutions have shifted classes online as a precaution. The ongoing situation demands urgent attention to restore a sense of security in Delhi’s schools and communities.
