44 Bengaluru schools receive bomb threats via email, heavy police force deployed
PTC Web Desk: At least 44 private schools in Bengaluru received alarming bomb threats via email, claiming the presence of explosives on their premises. The local authorities swiftly responded by deploying police teams to investigate and conduct thorough searches in the mentioned schools across various neighborhoods, including Whitefield, Koremangala, Basveshnagar, Yalahanka, and Sadashivanagar.
Expressing concern, Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwar highlighted the seriousness of the situation and urged the police to prioritise the investigation into the email's source.
#WATCH | Karnataka: Bomb squad and dog squad inspect a school in Anekal after several schools in Bengaluru received threat calls pic.twitter.com/qvridib43N — ANI (@ANI) December 1, 2023
Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dyanand assured the public of active investigations despite suspicions that the threats may be a hoax. He stressed the need of diligent efforts to identify those responsible for instigating panic through the false claims.
In response to the security threat, one of the affected schools promptly issued an advisory to parents, prioritising the safety of the students and choosing to dismiss classes immediately.
Reassuring worried parents, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasised the implementation of precautionary measures and urged them not to panic. He directed the police to conduct thorough school inspections and enhance security arrangements.
Notably, one of the schools targeted by the threat is in proximity to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar's residence. Shivakumar, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, assured that the police are actively investigating the matter and assured caution while urging against undue worry among parents.
Certain schools in Bengaluru city have received emails today morning indicating 'bomb threat'. Anti sabotage and bomb detection squads have been pressed into service to verify and ascertain. The calls seem to be hoax. Even then all efforts will be made to trace the culprits. pic.twitter.com/QqBaSuJ11W — CP Bengaluru ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಆಯುಕ್ತ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು (@CPBlr) December 1, 2023
Promising swift action, Shivakumar vowed that the cybercrime unit would apprehend the perpetrators within 24 hours. He advised vigilance in cybersecurity measures amid the ongoing investigation.
Interestingly, last year, a similar string of bomb threats targeted seven schools in Bengaluru, all of which were confirmed as hoaxes, as stated by the police.
- With inputs from agencies
