KATHMANDU: After receiving anonymous bomb threats, Delhi police searched over 40 schools, a spokeswoman said. The ANI news agency reported that the threats were conveyed via emails for a $30,000 ransom. Whether the threats are genuine or fake has not yet been verified by authorities.

The issue has created a great deal of fear, even though no explosives have been discovered yet. In India, fake bomb threats have been a persistent issue, especially this year when similar events have disrupted train stations, airports, and schools.

Approximately 1,000 bogus bomb threats were alleged to have been sent to Indian airports and airlines in 2023, causing flight delays and diversions. The reason behind the jump is still unknown, but it represents a notable rise over prior years.

Following similar fictitious threats, about 100 schools in Delhi and the surrounding areas were evacuated in May. As authorities carried out thorough inspections to guarantee safety, thousands of pupils were impacted.

Videos from Monday showed worried parents picking up their kids from school following the most recent threats. "This has happened twice this year," one father told IANS, expressing frustration. The disruption of our children's education is wrong.

Some schools were targeted on Monday morning, while two schools reportedly got threatening emails on Sunday evening. Police are currently trying to find the sender and track down the emails' original source.

Atishi, the chief minister of Delhi, chastised the federal government for not protecting its people. Writing on X, she cited recent violent episodes and bomb threats, stating, "Daily cases of ransom, murders, and shootings are now accompanied by threats of school bombings."

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which controls Delhi, and the federal government, which is headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are at odds, and Atishi's remarks reflect these tensions. Local administration is supervised by the Delhi government, although the federal home ministry is in charge of law enforcement in the capital.

New discussions concerning Delhi's security and efficiency as an administrative hub have been spurred by the dangers. Residents and parents are concerned about how these dangers can affect public safety and children's education.

The constitutional ruler of Delhi, the lieutenant governor, was appointed by the federal government but has not yet responded to the issue. Police are asking everyone to maintain their composure as they complete their investigation and confirm that the threats are real.

Fake bomb threats are a bigger issue that causes worry and unrest across India, as the episode highlights. Authorities are under pressure to address the root causes of these hoaxes and ensure that more robust measures are in place to stop cases like these from happening again.