A fresh wave of bomb threats sent educational institutions and authorities into a flurry of action across several Indian cities on Friday, with schools in Ahmedabad and Noida being the latest targets. The incidents, which follow a similar pattern of threats issued to schools last month, have once again disrupted academic schedules and put security agencies on high alert.
In Ahmedabad, multiple prominent schools, including Xavier's and St. Kabir, reported receiving bomb threat emails. The Ahmedabad Crime Branch swiftly responded, deploying its Bomb Squad and Forensic Department teams to the locations to conduct thorough investigations. Official statements confirmed that security protocols were immediately activated, though details on specific evacuations were not immediately disclosed.
The National Capital Region witnessed parallel incidents. At least two private schools in Noida received similar threats, prompting immediate precautionary measures. School administrations promptly notified parents, assuring them that safety protocols were being followed. As per notifications sent to parents, fire services and local police were dispatched to the schools.
One of the affected schools in Noida saw the deployment of a bomb disposal squad and a dog squad for a comprehensive sweep of the premises. Demonstrating organized crisis management, the school arranged for buses to transport students back to designated drop-off points under supervision, urging parents to coordinate directly with bus staff. The principal of the school appealed for calm and cooperation from the parent community.
Meanwhile, Father Agnel School in Noida’s Sector 62 also received a threat, leading to the closure of its preschool for the day, cancellation of bus services, and a halt to online classes as a precautionary measure.
This series of threats echoes incidents from recent weeks. Last week, a school in Moga, Punjab, was evacuated after a bomb threat email. Police conducted exhaustive searches of the premises after students were safely sent home. Deputy Superintendent of Police Gurpreet Singh confirmed the action, noting it followed the principal’s alert.
These events appear to be part of a disturbing trend. Just last month, several schools in Noida, as well as in Patiala and Jalandhar, were targeted with bomb threat emails. After large-scale mobilizations of police, bomb disposal teams, and anti-sabotage units, those threats were declared hoaxes. Authorities had expanded searches to include metro stations and crowded markets as a precaution.
Commenting on last month's incidents, Additional Commissioner of Police (Gautam Buddh Nagar) Rajeev Narain Mishra had stated, "Preliminary investigations suggest that the emails were hoax. Full vigilance is being maintained and necessary legal action is underway."
While investigations into today's threats are ongoing, the repeated nature of these hoaxes points to a calculated attempt to create panic, disrupt public order, and strain security resources. Educational institutions and law enforcement agencies continue to treat every threat with utmost seriousness, prioritizing the safety of students and staff above all, even as they work to trace the source of these alarming communications. The episodes have reignited discussions on cybersecurity, the need for robust threat-assessment protocols in schools, and the legal consequences for perpetuating such hoaxes.
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