$30,000 Ransom Demanded in Bomb Threats Sent to 40 Schools in Delhi; No Suspicious Evidence Found Yet

On December 9, 2024, a disturbing wave of bomb threats targeted at least 40 schools across Delhi, sending shockwaves through the city's educational community. The threats, which came in the form of emails, included a chilling demand for a $30,000 ransom. Among the institutions affected were prominent schools such as GD Goenka School in Paschim Vihar, DPS RK Puram, and others like Mother Mary's School, British School, Salwan Public School, and Cambridge School.

The emails, which began circulating late on December 8, featured a particularly alarming message. One such email, sent around 11:38 pm, read: “I planted multiple bombs (lead azide, explosive compound used in detonators) inside the building. The bombs are small and hidden very well. They won’t cause major damage to the structure, but many people will be injured when they detonate. You all deserve to suffer and lose limbs. If I do not receive USD 30,000, I will detonate the bombs.”

In response to these threats, affected schools took immediate precautionary measures, sending students home while fire officials, bomb detection teams, and the police launched thorough search operations. As of now, authorities have not found any suspicious objects or signs of explosives, but the investigation remains ongoing.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi swiftly condemned the incidents, blaming the central government for what she described as an escalating law-and-order crisis in the capital. She criticized the central government, under the BJP's leadership, for failing to ensure public safety, pointing to increasing ransom threats, murders, and shootings in Delhi. Her statement also underscored the growing unease around the safety of educational institutions.