The year 2024 was no stranger to bomb threats, but what shocked many was the alarming number of threats targeting schools. This year saw several incidents where not just one or two but dozens of schools received bomb threats simultaneously. Although all these threats turned out to be hoaxes, they left students, parents, teachers, and guardians grappling with the chilling thought, “What if they were real?” Today, we take a look at some of the most significant school bomb threats that shook the nation.
April 9: Mass bomb threat emails shake Kolkata schools
On April 9, 2024, nearly 200 government and private schools in Kolkata and its suburbs received threatening emails early in the morning, warning of bombs placed on their premises with plans for large-scale destruction. The email ominously 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, with others in districts like Siliguri. Many institutions promptly contacted Lalbazar or local police stations, sparking anxiety among parents about whether to send their children to school. The police later traced the IP address of the threatening email to the Netherlands.
May 1: Delhi-NCR schools targeted in a widespread threat
On May 1, 2024, a wave of bomb threats gripped Delhi-NCR schools. Initially affecting a handful of institutions, the situation quickly escalated, with more than 60 schools targeted by the afternoon. Students were sent home as panic spread across the capital and its surrounding areas. The Ministry of Home Affairs traced these threats to an IP address in Russia. While all threats were ultimately confirmed as hoaxes, their scale caused widespread alarm. Notable schools targeted included:
- Delhi Public School, Dwarka
- Mother Mary’s School, Mayur Vihar
- Delhi Public School, Noida
- Delhi Public School, RK Puram
- St. Thomas’ Girls Senior Secondary School, Delhi
May 6: Ahmedabad schools face bomb threats amid polling season
Just days later, on May 6, schools in Ahmedabad became the next targets. These emails, traced to a Russian server, contained Arabic phrases and threatened bombings. The timing was particularly alarming as Gujarat’s polling for all 26 seats, including Ahmedabad, was scheduled the next day. The sender, identifying as “Tauheed Warrior,” warned of attacks to enforce Sharia law. Schools impacted included:
- Asia School, Gurukul
- Delhi Public School, Bopal
- HBK School, Memnagar
- Two Kendriya Vidyalayas in Chandkheda and Shahibaug Cantonment
October: Tiruchirappalli schools receive consecutive hoax threats
In early October, schools and colleges in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, received bomb threats for two consecutive days. Although thorough investigations confirmed the threats were hoaxes, they caused significant panic. Institutions targeted included:
- St. Joseph’s College
- Holy Cross College
- Manapparai Campion School
- Sammath School
- St. Anne’s School
October 8: Panic strikes Madurai schools following bomb warnings
On October 8, similar threats forced three schools in Madurai to send students home. Police and bomb disposal teams conducted searches, confirming the threats were hoaxes. These incidents followed earlier threats on September 30.
October 22: CRPF schools and Coimbatore institutions on alert
On October 22, several Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) schools across India received hoax bomb threats, sparking fear. Among the targeted institutions, two were in Delhi and one in Hyderabad. Additionally, two private schools in Coimbatore, located in Chinnavedampatti and Saravanampatti, were also threatened.
December 9: Over 40 schools in Delhi receive threatening emails
Finally, on December 9, over 40 private schools in Delhi received bomb threats via email. Schools targeted included Delhi Public School Vasant Kunj, Delhi Public School R.K. Puram, G.D. Goenka Paschim Vihar, Doon Public School Paschim Vihar, and Brilliant’s Convent School Pitampura. Calls were made from G.D. Goenka and DPS R.K. Puram at 6:15 a.m. and 7:06 a.m., respectively. Delhi Fire Services, bomb squads, dog squads, and police were promptly dispatched to the locations.
