At least nine schools across Delhi were thrown into a state of alarm after receiving bomb threat emails containing the chilling message, “Delhi will become Khalistan.” The threats, sent almost simultaneously, prompted swift evacuations, large-scale security checks, and heightened police deployment across the national capital on Monday.
According to Delhi Police, the threatening emails were received by school administrations early in the day, warning of explosive devices planted on campus. The explicit reference to Khalistan a separatist movement added a sensitive political and security dimension to the incident, prompting authorities to treat the threats with utmost seriousness.
Immediate Response and Evacuations
As soon as the emails were reported, local police stations, bomb disposal squads, dog squads, and fire department teams were rushed to the affected schools. Students and staff were evacuated as a precautionary measure, and parents were informed to collect their children.
Officials said thorough anti-sabotage checks were conducted at all nine locations. After hours of searches, no explosives or suspicious objects were found, and authorities later indicated that the threats appeared to be hoaxes. However, police stressed that every such threat is treated as real until proven otherwise.
“Safety protocols were followed in full. There was no risk found during checks, but investigations are ongoing to identify the source of the emails,” a senior Delhi Police official said.
Details of the Threat
The emails reportedly carried identical or near-identical wording, suggesting a coordinated act rather than isolated incidents. Cybercrime units have been roped in to trace the origin of the messages, including IP addresses, email servers, and possible use of VPNs or foreign domains.
Investigators are also examining whether the threats were intended to create panic, disrupt normal life, or test security responses especially in light of recent hoax bomb threats reported in schools, airports, and public buildings across India.
Heightened Sensitivity
The reference to Khalistan has raised concerns among security agencies, given India’s past experiences with extremism and recent online propaganda linked to separatist groups operating from abroad. While officials have cautioned against jumping to conclusions, intelligence agencies are analysing whether the message was purely provocative or part of a broader misinformation or intimidation attempt.
A senior official said there is no immediate indication of an actual terror plot, but the language used makes the case more serious than routine hoax threats.
Parents, Schools on Edge
The incident caused panic among parents, many of whom rushed to schools after receiving urgent messages from authorities. School managements said counselling support would be provided to students if needed, as repeated threat incidents can have psychological impacts on children.
“This is extremely distressing. Even if it’s a hoax, it traumatises kids and parents,” said a parent whose child studies at one of the affected schools.
What’s Next
Delhi Police have registered cases and intensified cyber surveillance to track the sender. Authorities have also urged schools to remain vigilant but not panic, reiterating that false threats are punishable offences carrying strict legal consequences.
As investigations continue, the episode once again highlights growing concerns over hoax threats being used as tools of fear, disruption, and psychological pressure especially when they target schools and children.
