Bomb threats in Delhi schools: Panic, politics, and the search for accountability

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A fresh wave of bomb threats sent shockwaves through the national capital this week, as multiple schools and educational institutions in Delhi received alarming emails warning of imminent explosions. Though all turned out to be hoaxes, the psychological toll on students, staff, and families is mounting—alongside a growing political and public outcry.

On Monday, Navy Children School (Chanakyapuri), CRPF Public School (Dwarka), and CRPF School (Rohini) were forced to evacuate after receiving emailed bomb threats. Less than 24 hours later, on July 15, 2025, St. Thomas School in Dwarka and the prestigious St. Stephen’s College at Delhi University were also targeted.

In every instance, bomb disposal squads and police responded swiftly, searched the premises, and declared them safe.

This isn’t a one-off event. Delhi has witnessed at least three major waves of bomb hoaxes since early 2024. A May 2024 incident saw over 100 schools targeted in a single day. Most threats have been traced to either untraceable foreign IP addresses or, surprisingly, to tech-savvy teenagers attempting to disrupt exams.

Police have launched a full cybercrime investigation to determine if the recent threats are linked to earlier incidents. According to media reports the police are tracing email origins, checking for use of VPNs or fake accounts, and coordinating with national and international cybersecurity teams.

Previous investigations revealed startling findings: in January, a Class 12 student admitted to sending threats to delay exams.

This repeated security scares have ignited a blame game between state authorities, police, and educational institutions.

AAP leader Kejriwal said, “What is happening in Delhi? Yesterday two schools received bomb threats and today another school and college, have received threats. Children are scared, parents are extremely worried. BJP’s four-engine government have completely failed.”

The Delhi High Court, which took suo motu cognizance of the issue in February, criticized both the Delhi Government and police for failing to implement a cohesive action plan. “These incidents are not isolated anymore—they are systemic,” the court observed, demanding updated safety SOPs for all city schools.

As Delhi reels from yet another wave of bomb hoaxes, one thing is clear: the status quo is untenable. While no lives have been lost, the psychological cost is escalating. The government, schools, and law enforcement must now act—not just to catch the perpetrators, but to restore faith in the safety of the city’s classrooms.