Bomb hoaxes at Delhi, Noida schools; Boardexams continue

New Delhi/Noida: Several schools in Delhi and Noida received bomb threats on Thursday, prompting immediate security measures. No suspicious objects were found on the campuses, and the threats, which came even as board examinations were on, were declared hoaxes. Threatening calls were received by CRPF Public School and St Thomas School in Dwarka, and DAV Centenary Public School in Paschim Enclave between 8.15am and 10.30am. In Noida, multiple schools received threats via emails at around 8.53am.
Police swung into action in both cities. In Delhi, teams from local police stations, along with K9 units and bomb detection and disposal squads, were scrambled to the campuses. Students and staff were swiftly evacuated, and comprehensive anti-sabotage checks were carried out. In a couple of schools, Board exams were underway when the calls were received. Special care was taken to ensure that the search operations did not disrupt the tests. "Searches were conducted with great care to ensure the examinees were not disturbed. Safety protocol was followed without causing panic," a police officer said. A school in Mayur Vihar alerted parents that the campus was being evacuated in coordination with the authorities and that they should pick up their wards.In Noida schools, some of which had centres of CBSE and Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad exams, the bomb disposal squad, anti-sabotage teams and dog squads were deployed. The situation remained peaceful throughout.The principal of a private school in Sector 16 said, "The threats coinciding with the board exams make a worrisome situation. Govt must take strict measures against those who spread such panic."The principal of another private school in Sector 126 echoed similar concerns. "We can't afford to take these threats casually. However, receiving these repeatedly is frustrating. Parents send their children to school trusting the administration. The culprits behind such acts must be identified," the principal said.Rajeev Narain Mishra, ACP (law and order), Gautam Buddha Nagar, said the cyber team is conducting a technical probe into the origin of the threats.