A wave of panic swept through the educational institutions of Gujarat's twin cities on Wednesday after nearly 20 schools received threatening emails claiming the presence of explosives on their premises. The hoax bomb threats triggered immediate emergency responses, disrupting academic schedules and sending parents into a frenzy.
Widespread Disruption Across Multiple Campuses
The threatening emails landed in the inboxes of school administrations in both Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar on 17 December 2025. The content of the messages, which claimed that bombs had been planted within the school compounds, was enough to set off alarm bells. School staff, upon receiving the communications, swiftly initiated their safety protocols. This led to the evacuation of students in many institutions as a precautionary measure.
As news of the threats spread, it created a scene of anxiety and confusion. Parents rushed from their workplaces and homes to pick up their children, concerned for their safety. The areas around the affected schools witnessed traffic snarls and crowded gatherings as the community reacted to the unsettling news.
Swift Police Response and Investigation Launched
Local law enforcement agencies were alerted immediately. Teams from the Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar police, along with bomb detection and disposal squads (BDDS), were dispatched to the mentioned schools. A thorough search operation was conducted across all the campuses. Authorities confirmed that no suspicious items or explosives were found at any of the locations, declaring the threats a hoax.
The police have now registered cases and launched a full-scale investigation to trace the origin of the threatening emails. "The primary investigation suggests these are hoax emails intended to create fear and disrupt public order. We are working to identify the source," a senior police official stated. Cybersecurity experts are also involved in probing the digital trail of the communications.
Aftermath and Calls for Enhanced Security Vigilance
The incident has left students, parents, and teachers shaken, highlighting the vulnerability of public institutions to such acts of psychological terror. While classes eventually resumed in most schools after the all-clear was given, the day's events sparked a serious conversation about the preparedness of schools for such emergencies.
Education officials and security experts are urging institutions to regularly review and practice their emergency response plans. Parents have expressed relief but also concern, calling for more robust verification systems for communications received by schools. The episode serves as a stark reminder for authorities to strengthen cybersecurity measures to prevent the misuse of digital platforms for spreading panic.
The case, as reported by journalist Satish Jha, underscores the need for continued vigilance and swift inter-agency coordination to handle such threats and maintain public safety.
