Ahmedabad Bomb Threat Emails Continue Unchecked, Police Struggle with VPN Tracing
Ahmedabad remains on edge as a series of bomb threat emails targeting schools, courts, and public institutions continue to flood inboxes across the city. Despite ongoing investigations, police authorities have managed to crack only one case out of nearly 12 such incidents reported over the past year, leaving most threats unresolved and the community in a state of heightened anxiety.
Latest Threats Disrupt Academic Schedules
The most recent wave of bomb threats hit multiple schools on Friday, triggering widespread panic among students, parents, and school administrators. This incident marks the latest in a disturbing pattern of hoaxes that have repeatedly disrupted educational activities in the city. At the time of the threats, several schools were conducting pre-board examinations, while others were in the midst of CBSE practical exams, leading to significant academic interruptions.
In response to the threats, schools adopted varying safety measures. Some institutions chose to continue with examinations after conducting thorough security checks, while others opted for a complete shutdown, sending students home as a precautionary step. Interestingly, a few schools even closed their doors despite not receiving any direct threat, reflecting the pervasive climate of fear and uncertainty.
Technological Challenges Hamper Police Investigations
Senior police officers have openly acknowledged the formidable challenges they face in tracing the source of these threatening emails. The primary obstacle lies in the sophisticated use of technology by the perpetrators. According to authorities, miscreants are employing virtual private networks (VPNs) and routing emails through overseas servers, making it extremely difficult to identify the senders.
Ahmedabad City Police Commissioner G S Malik elaborated on these investigative hurdles, stating that the misuse of technology has significantly hampered progress in these cases. "Schools often display their email addresses on their websites, making them easily accessible to anyone with internet access. Someone sitting in Canada or the US can simply pick up these addresses and send threat mails," Malik explained in an interview with TOI.
Parental Anxiety and Community Impact
The recurring threats have taken a toll on parents, who express both anxiety and frustration over the situation. One concerned parent shared their experience: "I was just leaving for my office when I received news about a bomb threat in schools. I immediately rushed to the school and brought my kid back. That was not the first time, and probably not the last." This sentiment echoes throughout the community, where many feel vulnerable to these anonymous threats.
The threats have not been limited to educational institutions alone. Over the past year, miscreants have targeted a range of establishments, including courts and even the historic Sabarmati Ashram of Mahatma Gandhi, indicating a broader pattern of intimidation against public spaces in Ahmedabad.
Police Response and Ongoing Efforts
Despite the technological challenges, police authorities maintain that they are continuing their efforts to identify those responsible for the threats. Commissioner Malik emphasized that the latest threat case has been entrusted to the city's cybercrime branch for specialized investigation. "We are doing our job to find out who is responsible," he assured, highlighting the department's commitment to resolving these cases.
The persistent nature of these threats, combined with the low detection rate, raises serious concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of current investigative methods. As Ahmedabad grapples with this ongoing security challenge, the community awaits both reassurance and concrete results from law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting the city's institutions and citizens.
