News Mania desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/6th May 2024
In a concerning development reminiscent of recent events in New Delhi, several schools in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, received bomb threats via emails on Monday, May 6. Responding swiftly, law enforcement agencies initiated search operations in the affected schools to ensure the safety of students and staff. As of now, no suspicious items have been discovered on the school premises, and the matter remains under investigation.
The police, along with Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) teams, were deployed to the schools where the threats were reported. The situation was closely monitored, and efforts to ascertain the credibility of the threats were underway. Schools such as Delhi Public School (DPS) and Anand Niketan were among those targeted, prompting immediate action by the authorities.
Addressing concerns arising from the bomb threats, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Control Ahmedabad City urged the public to remain calm and assured them that the situation was being thoroughly assessed. He emphasized that there was no cause for panic and urged against exaggeration of the situation. The DCP underscored the need to maintain composure, especially with the upcoming polling day, and reiterated that necessary precautions were being taken to ensure public safety.
The incident in Ahmedabad bore resemblance to a series of bomb threats that occurred in the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) just days earlier. On May 1, approximately 130 schools in the Delhi-NCR received similar threatening emails, prompting evacuations and heightened security measures. Investigations into the Delhi-NCR incidents revealed that the emails had originated from a server in Russia, adding a layer of complexity to the situation.
In response to the threats, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an official statement, reassuring the public that the emails were likely a hoax. The statement urged citizens not to panic and emphasized that law enforcement agencies were taking appropriate steps to address the situation. Additionally, the Delhi government issued an advisory urging schools to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activity or threats to the authorities.
Amidst concerns over the safety of educational institutions, security forces in Ahmedabad and other key locations bolstered their preparedness by conducting mock drills. These drills encompassed various critical locations such as metro stations, airports, schools, and government buildings, aiming to simulate emergency response scenarios and enhance readiness to handle potential threats effectively.
The series of bomb threats targeting schools in Ahmedabad underscored the importance of proactive security measures and close collaboration between law enforcement agencies and educational institutions. Such incidents serve as stark reminders of the need for constant vigilance and preparedness to address emerging security challenges effectively.
As investigations into the bomb threats continue, authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of students, teachers, and staff members. Public cooperation and awareness play pivotal roles in maintaining a secure environment, and collective efforts are essential to thwarting potential threats and safeguarding communities against harm.