Two prominent journalist organizations in the national capital, the Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC) and the Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ), were targeted with bomb threats via email in the early hours of Saturday, December 7, 2025. The threats, which claimed that RDX-based IEDs were planted on their premises, were later declared a hoax following a swift and comprehensive security response.
Timeline of the Threat and Immediate Response
The sequence of events began when the official email ID of the Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC) received a threatening message at 4:57 AM. The email specifically stated that explosive devices had been placed at both the IWPC office on Ashoka Road and the DUJ office located in the Connaught Place area. Acting without delay, the IWPC administration immediately alerted the Delhi Police about the potential danger.
In response, a multi-agency team was dispatched to the locations. The bomb disposal squad, dog squad, and fire tenders arrived promptly at the scene to conduct a meticulous search of the buildings and surrounding areas. The specialized teams combed through the premises to locate any suspicious items or devices.
Security Sweep and All-Clear Declaration
After a thorough inspection by the security personnel and sniffer dogs, the authorities confirmed that the threats were baseless. The premises were declared safe and completely devoid of any threat. In an official statement, the IWPC detailed the events, noting, "We immediately informed the Delhi Police. The bomb squad and dog squad promptly visited our premises and conducted a thorough search of IWPC. The fire brigade also arrived. Following this, they stated that our premises were clear of any threat and were safe."
The police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to trace the origin of the hoax email. Such incidents, while ultimately false, cause significant disruption, consume critical security resources, and create an atmosphere of fear among the members and staff of the targeted institutions.
Context and Ongoing Concerns
This incident highlights the vulnerability of media institutions to such malicious cyber threats. Hoax bomb threats have become a recurring challenge for security agencies in Delhi and across India, often targeting public places, schools, and now press clubs. The Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ), a key body representing journalists' interests, was the other named target in the threat email, underscoring an attempt to intimidate the press community.
Authorities continue to urge organizations to remain vigilant and report any suspicious communication immediately, while also working to enhance cyber-forensic capabilities to track down perpetrators of such hoaxes. The swift collaborative action between the journalist bodies and the police prevented panic and ensured a rapid return to normalcy.
