January 10, 2025: The Delhi Police have detained a Class 12 student for orchestrating a series of bomb threats to 23 schools across the city, in a bid to avoid sitting for his exams. The threats, sent via email, triggered widespread panic and disruptions over the past few weeks, putting law enforcement and educational institutions on high alert.

The student, a minor, had sent bomb threat emails on at least six occasions, each time targeting multiple schools to deflect suspicion. Officials revealed that the boy strategically excluded his own school from the threats, believing that the resulting chaos would lead to the cancellation of exams citywide.

One particularly alarming email last month targeted over 40 schools, including prominent institutions like DPS RK Puram and GD Goenka School in Paschim Vihar. The email claimed small bombs had been planted in the school buildings and demanded $30,000 for their defusal.

Although the threats were ultimately deemed hoaxes, they caused significant disruption. Students were evacuated, and bomb squads with sniffer dogs combed campuses for potential explosives. The threats gave students unexpected holidays but wasted valuable school time and resources.

The recurring hoaxes also sparked a political debate, with Delhi Chief Minister Atishi criticizing the BJP-led central government, which oversees law enforcement in the capital. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also decried the deteriorating law and order situation.

To address the frequent threats, Delhi Police, in collaboration with the Education Department, organized seminars to train teachers and school staff in handling crisis situations.

Authorities noted that the trend of bomb hoaxes has extended beyond schools to airlines, causing emergency landings and disrupting flight operations. These incidents included a recent case in Mumbai where a 17-year-old was detained for sending a threat email to frame a friend.

The Class 12 student’s actions have highlighted the misuse of technology by minors and the challenges faced by law enforcement in distinguishing between real and fake threats. The police are expected to file charges under relevant sections of the law, keeping in mind the student’s age.