Bengaluru Schools Implement Rapid Response Protocols Following Bomb Threat, Ensuring Safety of Students and Staff
Multiple schools in Bengaluru found themselves responding to bomb threat emails, prompting the evacuation of both students and staff. While the precise number of targeted schools remains uncertain, media outlets report that more than 15 educational institutions in the tech city received these threats. In a ripple effect, concerned parents hurriedly arrived at the schools, anxious to ensure the safe return of their children amid the unfolding situation.
A senior police officer, quoted by news agency PTI, shared, “The email claimed that explosives had been planted on school premises. We received a call from the command centre and immediately dispatched our teams to schools situated in different parts of the city. All students and staff have been safely evacuated from the school premises, and a comprehensive search operation is currently underway. Presently, no suspicious items or activities have been identified. and initial findings suggest it might be a hoax message. Reassuringly, the officer emphasised.
Parents need not panic; our teams are on the ground
Addressing the concerning bomb threats, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reassured the public, stating, Appropriate security measures have been implemented, and there is no need for parents to panic. He emphasised his directive to the police to thoroughly inspect schools and bolster security, urging parents to maintain calm during this period.
Quoting Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, The police will investigate, and I have directed them to do so. Necessary security measures have been implemented, and there is no need for parents to be alarmed. I have directed the police to conduct thorough inspections of the schools and bolster security. An initial report has been received from the police department.
In a separate update, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar provided additional reassurance to parents, affirming that the threat emails are a hoax call and there is no need to panic. He assured swift action by the cybercrime department to resolve the situation promptly.
DK Shivakumar personally visited a school in Bengaluru, expressing his initial concern after seeing the news on TV
DK Shivakumar personally visited a school in Bengaluru, expressing his initial concern after seeing the news on TV. He shared, “I was a bit dismayed after seeing the news on TV, as some schools I know and the one near my house were also mentioned. So I went out to check. The police have shown me the mail. Initially, it seems to be a false alarm (hoax). I’ve had discussions with the police, and while caution is warranted, there is no need for parents to be overly concerned. Police are looking into it.”
In a recent tweet on X, he shared an update, saying, In response to the bomb threats received via emails at some Bangalore schools, Sadashiva Nagar NEV School has been. visited and inspected. In this case, the police officials have been informed about the incident and instructed to conduct a proper investigation.
Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara addressed the situation, stating, At present, we have received information about 15 schools where threatening emails have been received. Last year also such threats were received. We cannot take any risk, and we are inspecting the schools, taking all precautionary measures. Stringent measures will be taken against individuals responsible for making threatening calls. We are looking into all aspects…
NCPCR Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo expressed serious concern, stating, “We received information that many schools in Bengaluru received bomb threats. It’s a serious concern and not the first time… Threats given to schools seriously indicate an intention to scare children’s guardians regarding their safety and security. We are bringing this to the Commissioner’s notice and urging them to ensure the safety of children and investigate the reasons behind such threats.
Bomb Threats Target 44 Bengaluru Schools via Email; Swift Evacuation Ensures Safety of Students and Staff
On Friday, a wave of panic swept through Bengaluru as 44 schools received bomb threats via anonymous emails. The initial targets included seven schools, such as Napel and Vidyashilpa in Basaveshwara Nagar. Remarkably, among the targeted schools is one situated opposite the residence of Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar.
DK Shivakumar shared his response, stating, “I was watching TV, and the school opposite to my house also got a threat mail. “I arrived here to verify,” he conveyed to reporters.
Following the initial wave, additional educational institutions in Bengaluru found themselves grappling with similar email threats. Taking precautionary measures, Bengaluru Police promptly evacuated students and staff from these schools. Despite leaning towards the possibility of the bomb threats being hoaxes, the police, accompanied by Bomb Disposal Squads, are meticulously searching the premises. As of now, there is no confirmation of any actual bombs at the targeted schools.
The Bengaluru Police Commissioner addressed the situation in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Certain schools in Bengaluru city have received emails this morning indicating ‘bomb threat’. Anti-sabotage and bomb detection squads have been mobilised to verify and confirm the situation. Although the calls appear to be a hoax, every possible effort will be made to trace the culprits.