More than 15 schools in Bengaluru were rattled by bomb threats on Friday, causing widespread panic among students, parents, and school authorities. The alarming emails, received by schools including Napel and Vidyashilpa in Basaveshwar Nagar, triggered immediate safety measures.
Schools: Targeting Prominent Locations
Notably, one of the targeted schools is located just opposite the residence of Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar. This adds a layer of concern and urgency to the situation.
Swift Evacuation Measures
In response to the threats, Bengaluru Police swiftly swung into action, evacuating students and staff from the targeted schools as a precautionary measure. The safety of the students and school personnel took precedence, given the seriousness of the situation.
Multiple Waves of Threats
The unsettling situation unfolded in waves, with the initial threats targeting seven schools, and subsequently, several more institutions receiving similar menacing emails. The evolving nature of the threats heightened the tension across the city.
Hoax or Real Threat?
While there are indications that these bomb threats might be hoaxes, law enforcement is not taking any chances. The police, along with Bomb Disposal Squads, are meticulously searching each school to ensure the safety of everyone involved. As of now, no confirmation of actual explosives has been reported.
Echoes of the Past
This isn’t the first time Bengaluru schools have faced such threats. Last year witnessed a series of similar incidents, all of which turned out to be hoaxes. Despite the recurrent nature of these false alarms, the authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to ensure the security of educational institutions.
Deputy CM’s Response
After receiving information about the bomb threats, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, visited a school to assess the situation. Expressing concern, he mentioned seeing the news about a bomb threat at a school on TV, especially since some of the threatened schools are near his residence.
There is no need to panic
Upon receiving a threat to bomb multiple schools in Bengaluru, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured the public, stating, “I have instructed the police to conduct a thorough investigation. Safety measures have been implemented, and there is no need for parents to panic. The police have been directed to inspect schools and enhance security. A preliminary report has been received from the police department
Assurances from Authorities
Assuring the public, Deputy CM Shivakumar stated that the police had shown him the emails, and they appear to be fake. He attributed these threats to mischievous elements and emphasized that the cybercrime police are actively involved. He reassured that there is no need to panic, and the situation is under control.
Swift Action and Cybercrime Unit
The police are actively engaged in a search operation across schools. All students and staff are reported to be safe. Deputy CM Shivakumar asserted that the cybercrime police are on high alert, and the alleged culprits will be apprehended within 24 hours. Despite the apparent hoax, authorities are maintaining vigilance.
Previous Incidents
This isn’t the first time schools in Bengaluru have faced such threats. In a similar incident on April 8, 2022, seven schools in Bengaluru received bomb threats. Fortunately, these threats turned out to be rumors. It’s a reminder of the recurring nature of such incidents and the need for robust security measures.
Delhi’s Security Challenges
Delhi has also faced its share of school threats this year. Four schools received bomb threats, with emails detailing plans to detonate bombs. Fortunately, all these threats were proven to be hoaxes. The incidents underline the importance of addressing the psychological impact of such threats on students, staff, and parents.
Conclusion
As the situation unfolds, the key focus remains on the safety and well-being of the students, staff, and residents in the vicinity. The thorough search operations will determine the credibility of these threats, shedding light on whether they are malicious hoaxes or genuine security concerns. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by such threats and the need for robust security measures in educational spaces.
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