Shruti Suman
On Friday morning, more than 20 schools in Bengaluru received bomb threats via email, leading to the immediate evacuation of the premises. The threatening emails asserted the presence of explosives within the school facilities.
Law enforcement promptly responded to the situation, initiating searches across the affected schools to identify any potential threats. Bomb disposal squads were dispatched to the implicated schools, spanning various locations such as Whitefield, Koramangala, Basaveshnagar, Yelahanka, and Sadashivanagar.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parmeshwar expressed the seriousness with which the authorities are treating the situation, stating, “We are actively verifying the source of the email. I have instructed the police to address this matter with the highest priority.”
Despite indications that the threats may be unfounded, Bengaluru Police Commissioner B Dyanand emphasized the importance of thorough investigation, remarking, “While the calls appear to be a hoax, the police are taking no chances and are diligently working to trace the culprits responsible.”
In response to the security threat, one of the schools issued an advisory to parents, explaining the unexpected situation and the decision to disperse students immediately for their safety.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah provided reassurance to parents, stating, “Precautionary measures have been implemented, and there’s no need for parents to panic.” He further highlighted the ongoing police investigation, emphasizing the enhancement of security measures within the schools.
This incident echoes a similar occurrence last year when seven schools in Bengaluru received bomb threats, ultimately determined to be hoaxes, as per police reports.
