The curious case of bomb threats in Indian cities: More than just a hoax?

NEW DELHI: A wave of panic swept through cities as bomb threats targeted schools, hospitals, railways and airports. However, it soon became apparent that these threats were nothing but a hoax, leaving authorities scratching their heads. But how did this start? Let's discover the curious case of the 'Bomb Button.'

Where it all began

The chaos began in New Delhi when over 100 schools received alarming bomb threats via email. As panic spread, the Ministry of Home Affairs swiftly intervened, reassuring the public that the threats were nothing but a malicious hoax. However, the chain of threats didn't stop there.
Next destination: Ahmedabad

On May 6th, around 14 schools in Ahmedabad were thrown into chaos when they received alarming bomb threats via email. However, a preliminary investigation swiftly revealed that the threats were nothing but a hoax once again. It's suspected that the intention behind these false threats was to disrupt the atmosphere, especially in light of the upcoming voting on May 7th.

Next destination: Jaipur

On Monday morning, four schools in Jaipur were rattled by bomb threats sent via email. The police have initiated an investigation into the matter. However, given the recent series of hoax threats, there is a strong suspicion that this incident might also turn out to be another false alarm.

Targets expand

In addition to schools, bomb threats were also directed at Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and eight hospitals in the national capital.

On Sunday, a hospital chain in Bengaluru received a bomb threat via email, causing alarm and panic. However, the threat was soon discovered to be a hoax.

Where are the emails coming from? Russia, China, Pakistan?

An ANI report stated that the Delhi Police were investigating a possible joint conspiracy involving China and Pakistan's intelligence agency, ISI. However, it was later revealed that the email IDs from which the threatening emails were sent to schools had connections to Russia.

In a significant development in the Ahmedabad schools bomb threat case, the crime branch uncovered a Pakistani connection to the threats that targeted at least 14 schools in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

The investigation initially traced the origin of the emails to a Russian domain, specifically from the email address "tauheedl@mail.ru." However, further probing revealed a link to a military cantonment in Pakistan, as stated by Sharad Singhal, JCP Ahmedabad Crime Branch.

To disrupt Lok Sabha elections in 2024?

Initially, authorities suspected a "deeper conspiracy" behind the bomb threats, as they coincided with the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in 2024.