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A bomb threat email was sent to over 40 private schools across Bengaluru on Friday, July 18. Several of these threats were found to be a hoax, according to the police.
Taking no chances, the police and personnel from other relevant departments rushed to the schools and launched a combing operation after evacuating the students.
“Not a single soul will survive… You all deserve to suffer,” the threat email reportedly said.
Responding to the incident, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the government has taken the incident seriously and will introduce new legislation to curb the spread of false information.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, reacting to the development, stated in Bengaluru, "I recall previous incidents involving threats through calls and emails. We will verify today’s bomb threat email. We are not taking anything lightly, because we never know which threat might turn out to be real."
The development shocked parents and created confusion in the vicinity of the schools. The threat email was sent to several schools, including those in RR Nagar and Kengeri.
Along with the police, the bomb disposal squad and dog squads also arrived at the schools and were carrying out checks and inspections.
The threat email has emerged from the id "roadkill333@ atomic mail. io". The accused had stated in the email: "Hello, I am writing to let you know that I have placed several explosive devices (Trinitrotoluene) within the school classrooms."
Further, it mentioned in capital letters, "I will erase every last one of you from this world. Not a single soul will survive. I will gladly laugh when I will watch the news… You all deserve to suffer.”
The sender also reportedly mentioned intent to die by suicide.
The email further said, "You brainwash people into thinking psychiatric meds can help them. But, they don't. I am living proof that they do not. You all deserve this. You deserve to suffer just like me."
On December 1, 2023, more than 15 private schools in Bengaluru received bomb threats through email and raised concerns. The threats had later turned out to be a hoax.
Following the development, tension prevailed in the premises of the schools. The threat was given on the official email IDs of the schools, and it came to light when the staff opened them in the morning.
Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, CM Siddaramaiah said, "I came to know about the incident of more than 40 schools receiving bomb threats through email this morning. I have directed the police to verify whether it is a hoax."
When asked about the rising number of false threats targeting schools, CM Siddaramaiah said, "We are bringing in new legislation to counter this. The law will be aimed at those who spread false information and provocative messages."
The police have launched verification operations at the schools, and inspections will be carried out in all affected institutions, Home Minister G Parameshwara said.
Meanwhile, parents of students at the schools that received the email threats rushed to collect their children. However, most school administrations resumed classes after inspections or shifted students to other buildings on the premises.
There were also reports of parents from schools that did not receive bomb threats rushing to pick up their children out of concern.