Shimla, Himachal Pradesh – A wave of panic swept across Shimla on Wednesday morning after several well-known Bishop Cotton School received alarming emails threatening to blow up their campuses. The shocking threats triggered immediate police response and forced temporary suspension of classes in multiple institutions.
The bomb threat emails claimed that explosive devices had been planted inside school buildings. Authorities acted swiftly, dispatching bomb disposal squads and police teams to the affected schools. Parents, students, and school staff were left anxious as security personnel sealed off the premises and conducted exhaustive search operations.
Thankfully, no explosives were found during the searches. After hours of thorough inspection, the police declared the threats as hoaxes. By afternoon, normalcy returned and classes resumed under heightened security.
Swift Response by Authorities
Superintendent of Police (SP) Shimla confirmed that the situation was brought under control efficiently. “We take every threat seriously. Our bomb detection teams scanned all suspected locations thoroughly. No explosives were found, and we are now investigating the source of these emails,” said the SP.
Multiple schools including well-known institutions such as Bishop Cotton School, Loreto Convent Tara Hall, and others received the hoax emails. While the names of all the targeted schools have not been officially disclosed, panic was evident among parents as the news spread quickly across the hill town.
Past Incidents Raise Alarm
This isn’t the first time Shimla has received such alarming threats. In recent weeks, similar hoax emails were sent to the Himachal Pradesh High Court, various district courts, deputy commissioners’ offices, the Chief Secretary’s office, and even the Himachal Pradesh Secretariat.
The growing pattern of fake bomb threats has raised serious concerns among citizens and officials alike. While all previous cases turned out to be hoaxes, the disruption they caused cannot be ignored.
Cyber Cell Joins the Investigation
To trace the origin of these emails, the cyber crime cell has now joined the investigation. Sources within the police department revealed that digital footprints are being analyzed to identify the individual or group responsible for sending these threatening messages.
Authorities have urged citizens to stay calm and not spread rumors. “Spreading unverified information can cause unnecessary panic. We request everyone to cooperate with the authorities,” said a senior police official.
Security Tightened in Shimla Schools
In the wake of repeated threats, all private and government schools in Shimla have been instructed to strengthen their security protocols. School managements have been advised to monitor campus activities closely and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Parents and Students React
The incident sparked fear among parents, many of whom rushed to pick up their children early. “It was terrifying. I got a call from the school, and I rushed here. Thankfully, everything is fine,” said a concerned parent outside one of the affected schools.
Students were also visibly shaken but returned to their classrooms once the all-clear signal was given.
Conclusion
Though no explosives were found, the hoax bomb threats served as a grim reminder of the growing misuse of digital platforms to incite fear. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have assured the public of their safety.
As investigations continue, the need for vigilance, responsible information sharing, and tighter school security remains more crucial than ever in maintaining public safety in peaceful towns like Shimla.