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On October 22, several schools run by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) across India received hoax bomb threats, sparking panic. Among the targeted institutions, two schools were located in the national capital, while one was in Hyderabad. The threats were communicated via email late Monday night, as reported by ANI. But that wasn’t all—two private schools in Coimbatore, located in Chinnavedampatti and Saravanampatti, were also threatened in a similar fashion.

A Troubling Pattern Emerges

Is this the first time schools have been targeted with bomb threats? Unfortunately not.In fact, such threats have been on the rise, creating a climate of fear for students, school authorities, and parents alike. Although most of these threats turn out to be hoaxes, the sheer frequency raises the alarming question on every parent’s mind: “Are our children safe?” Each time a threat surfaces, it forces us to confront a chilling thought, “What if it’s real?”
In 2024 alone, several schools across India have faced similar hoax threats. In May, over 60 schools in Delhi-NCR were evacuated after receiving bomb threats, triggering widespread concern. The unnerving frequency of these hoaxes is not just a strain on students and parents, but also on the country’s security apparatus.

Major Bomb Threat Incidents of 2024

While each hoax is a cause for concern, here are some of the most significant bomb threat incidents of 2024 that have shaken the nation:
Bomb Threats Target 200 Schools in Kolkata
On April 9, approximately 200 government and private schools in Kolkata and its suburbs received alarming emails early in the morning, warning that bombs had been placed on their premises and that large-scale destruction was planned. The threatening message read, “There are bombs planted inside the classrooms. The bombs are set to go off tomorrow morning when there are children in the schools. Our mission is to leave as many people as possible in a pool of blood. This attack is caused by two terrorists named Ching and Doll.”
Most of the targeted schools were located in South Kolkata, particularly in Behala, while others were situated in nearby districts, including Siliguri. Many institutions promptly contacted either Lalbazar or local police stations to report the threatening email, causing anxiety among parents about whether to send their children to school. The police later announced that they had traced the IP address of the threatening email to the Netherlands.
Delhi-NCR: Over 60 Schools Targeted in May
On May 1, 2024, a wave of bomb threats hit schools across Delhi-NCR. What began with a few institutions quickly escalated—by the afternoon, more than 60 schools had been threatened. For safety, students were sent home as panic spread across the capital and surrounding areas. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, these threats were traced back to Russia, as identified by the IP address of the email. While the threats were eventually confirmed to be hoaxes, the sheer scale of the event caused national alarm. Some of the prominent schools that were targeted include:

Ahmedabad: Threats Days Before Polls
Following the Delhi-NCR scare, schools in Ahmedabad were also targeted on May 6. These emails, traced back to a Russian server, included Arabic phrases and warned of bombings. The timing of the threats was particularly unsettling, as they occurred just one day before Gujarat’s polling for all 26 seats, including those in Ahmedabad. The sender identified themselves as “Tauheed Warrior” and threatened attacks to establish Sharia law. Schools impacted by the threats included:

Tamil Nadu: Tiruchirappalli Schools Receive Threats in October
In early October, several schools and colleges in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, received bomb threats for two consecutive days. The emails claimed that bombs had been planted on their premises, but after thorough investigations, these were confirmed to be false alarms. Institutions that received threats included:

Madurai: October Bomb Threats
On October 8, three schools in Madurai were forced to send students home after receiving bomb threats via email. While police and bomb disposal teams quickly conducted searches, they concluded that the threats were hoaxes. This came just days after similar threats had been made on September 30.

Strengthening School Safety: Proactive Measures Against Bomb Threats

The increase in bomb threats targeting Indian schools underscores the evolving nature of cyber security threats in our country in the digital age. While most of these threats have been hoaxes, they cause substantial disruptions and pose serious challenges for law enforcement and school authorities. That is why, the rise of cyber crime has become a pressing concern for policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and the public. Despite significant efforts to combat this modern menace, numerous challenges persist, making it difficult to curb the growing threat of cyber crime effectively.
Here’s how schools can prepare their themselves for the hoax bomb threats:
Schools can take several proactive measures to counter and prepare for bomb threats, ensuring the safety and well-being of students and staff.
Emergency Response Plans: Schools should develop comprehensive emergency response plans that outline procedures for different types of threats. Regular drills can help students and staff familiarize themselves with these protocols.
Communication Systems: Implementing reliable communication systems ensures timely alerts and updates during an emergency. This can include mass notification systems to inform parents and local authorities quickly.
Collaboration with Law Enforcement: Schools should establish relationships with local police and emergency services. Regular meetings and training sessions can enhance coordination during emergencies.
Cybersecurity Measures: Strengthening cybersecurity protocols can help prevent hoax threats. Schools should invest in secure email systems and monitor online communications for suspicious activity.
Mental Health Support: Offering psychological support and counseling for students and staff can help address the anxiety and fear generated by bomb threats.