Emails with suspicious bomb threats were sent to seven schools in Ahmedabad; the servers used to send the threats had Russian IP addresses. After the event on Monday, law enforcement authorities moved quickly to address it. Teams, including bomb disposal units, were sent in right away to guard the area and carry out exhaustive searches. Officials say that no suspicious items have been discovered as of yet.
Schools Targeted by Threats
Prominent educational establishments including Amrita Vidyalayam, Kendriya Vidyalaya ONGC (Chandkheda), Army School (Shahibagh), Anand Niketan, and DPS (Bopal) are among the schools that are being targeted. Concerns have been aroused by these threats, particularly in light of the impending third phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha election that is set for the following day.
Previous Incidents in National Capital Region
The threats that have been made recently in Ahmedabad are reminiscent of what happened in the National Capital Region (NCR) only a week ago. After getting threatening emails about bombs on their property, 151 schools in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, and Greater Noida were forced to evacuate their personnel and students. According to investigations, some of these emails might have come from Russian domains as well.
Complexity of the Threats
Law enforcement officers believe that the individuals making these threats are using advanced methods to hide their identities and whereabouts. The threatening emails are thought to have been sent using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) and the dark web, an encrypted internet marketplace. Concerns regarding the origin and intent of these threats have been further sparked by the usage of the Arabic phrase “sawariim,” which is linked to terror propaganda from the Islamic State.
Concerns of Deeper Conspiracy
It is not completely ruled out by the authorities that there is a more sophisticated plot to tamper with the general elections. These threats’ timing and nature point to a deliberate attempt to spread panic and fear. The public has been reassured by the Home Ministry that there is no need for concern right now, but security services are keeping a careful eye on the matter and adhering to established procedures. In an effort to learn more about the situation, the Delhi Police has also contacted the CBI and asked for assistance through Interpol.
