Chandigarh Schools Face Security Scare as Bomb Threat Emails Trigger Evacuations
Multiple educational institutions in Chandigarh were thrust into a state of high alert early Wednesday morning after receiving anonymous bomb threat emails, prompting immediate evacuations and a swift response from security agencies. The Chandigarh Police confirmed that several schools were targeted, leading to the suspension of classes and the deployment of specialized teams to ensure safety.
Affected Schools and Immediate Police Action
According to official statements from the Chandigarh Police, the threatening emails were sent to St Stephen’s School in Sector 45, Chitkara International School in Sector 25, and Government Model Senior Secondary Schools in Sectors 16 and 19. Upon receiving the alerts, school administrations promptly notified the police control room, setting off a rapid security mobilization.
Teams from local police stations, along with the bomb disposal squad, dog squad, and other security agencies, rushed to the locations within minutes. The premises were sealed, and school staff were evacuated, transforming the areas into high-security zones. Children who had already arrived at the schools were turned back from the gates as a precautionary measure.
Precautionary Evacuations and Parental Communications
In addition to the initially targeted schools, KBDAV School in Sector 7 and Government Model Senior Secondary Schools in Sectors 22 and 47 were also evacuated as part of broader safety protocols. Security agencies launched intensive search operations across these campuses, meticulously checking classrooms, staff rooms, corridors, parking areas, and playgrounds for any potential explosive material.
One of the nine affected schools issued a communication to parents, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The message stated, "Dear Parent, We would like to inform you that the school received an anonymous email this morning containing a threat directed at schools in Chandigarh. The matter has been immediately reported to the Chandigarh Police, and we are in close coordination with the concerned authorities." It further advised that attendance was left to the discretion of parents, underscoring that student safety remained the highest priority.
On-Ground Response and Parental Reactions
During the security operations, bomb disposal teams utilized specialized equipment to examine suspicious spots, while sniffer dogs carried out extensive sweeps. A police official at a school in Sector 25 highlighted the thoroughness of these checks, noting that no suspicious items were found during the initial searches.
Parents expressed concern and confusion amid the unfolding events. Naveen Sharma, a parent who arrived to drop his daughter at St Stephen’s School in Sector 45, shared, "We were informed that the school would remain open, but when we reached the gate, we were told it had been closed due to the threat." This sentiment echoed among many families caught off guard by the sudden security measures.
Administrative Advisory and Ongoing Investigations
The Chandigarh Administration issued an advisory to all schools in the city, urging them to "maintain calm and not create unnecessary panic." The directive emphasized that any threatening emails or messages should be reported immediately to the police for appropriate action. It also cautioned against declaring holidays without verified basis to avoid spreading panic among students, parents, and the general public.
Police officers are treating the matter with utmost seriousness. The cyber cell has initiated an investigation to trace the origin and location of the threatening emails, with efforts underway to identify and apprehend the sender at the earliest. This incident follows a pattern of similar hoaxes in the city, including recent bomb threat emails targeting the District Courts and the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which also turned out to be false alarms after extensive searches.
Historical Context and Continued Vigilance
This is not the first such security scare in Chandigarh. In recent days, similar bomb threat emails were received by judicial institutions, highlighting a recurring trend of hoaxes that disrupt public safety. Despite past incidents yielding no explosive material, security agencies remain on high alert as investigations continue, underscoring the need for constant vigilance in urban centers.
The coordinated response from police, bomb squads, and school administrations demonstrates a proactive approach to handling such threats, even as the community grapples with the psychological impact of these alarming communications. As the probe advances, authorities are focused on ensuring that academic operations can resume safely while maintaining robust security protocols to prevent future disruptions.
