College, Delhi-NCR schools get bomb threats

St Stephen’s College in North Delhi and several schools in Delhi and Noida received bomb threats over email on Friday morning, officials said.

Police officials said bomb disposal teams, dog squads and Fire Department personnel were deployed on their premises. Students and staff members were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

The police said several schools in Noida and Delhi received bomb threats early in the morning. Officials of Ahlcon International School in Mayur Vihar in East Delhi informed the Pandav Nagar police around 6:40 am that they received an email about a bomb on the premises.

DCP (East) Abhishek Dhania said the bomb disposal squad and dog handlers thoroughly checked the premises. “Nothing suspicious was found,” he confirmed, assuring that the area was safe.

Shiv Nadar School in Noida also received a bomb threat. As a precautionary measure, the school decided to remain closed for the day. In a message to parents, the school said: “We have received a threat to the safety of students on campus. We are, therefore, closing down for the day in order to complete a sweep to ensure safety,” an official said.

Students who had already boarded buses were sent back home immediately.

St Stephen’s College in North Delhi also received a bomb threat email at 7:42 am. After getting information, security forces reached the spot and evacuated the institution.

DCP (North) Raja Banthia said the dog squad and security personnel searched the premises and found nothing suspicious. The college premises was later handed over to the authorities.

The threats came a day after the Noida police took a 15-year-old student into custody for allegedly sending hoax bomb threat emails to four schools. While officials have not confirmed a direct link between the two incidents, the cybercrime team is investigating the threats.

DCP (Noida) Ram Badan Singh said the new email was written in South Indian language, raising further questions about its origin. “Exams are going on and it might be the work of a student. However, this threat appears different from the ones sent earlier,” he said.

“Our cyber team is investigating the emails. We request everyone to maintain patience and avoid panic,” an officer stated.