Panic Grips Bengaluru As 15 Schools In The City Evacuated Over E-mail Bomb Threat

Chaotic scenes prevailed after authorities evacuated at least 15 schools in Bengaluru on Friday morning after receiving emails claiming that explosives had been planted on the premises.

Which schools received bomb threats?

Around 5,000 students and hundreds of staff from?Neev Academy in Yamalur, Stonehill International School in Chikkajala, DPS East in Varthur, Gopalan International School in Mahadevapura, Ebenezer International School in Electronic City, Indian Public School in Govindapura, St Vincent Pallotti School in Kalyannagar, Sophia school, Redbridge International Academy in Bannerghatta Road, BVM Global School on Bannerghatta Road, Candor International School on Bannerghatta Road, Inventure Academy in Sarjapur, Trio World Academy in Kodigehalli, Vyasa International in Doddabommasandra, Harvest International School in Sarjapur and Kunskapsskolan International School in Chandrapur were evacuated following the bomb threat.

What schools said

"We are encountering an unexpected situation at school today. The school has received a security threat from unknown sources. As we hold the safety of our children at utmost priority, we have decided to disperse the students immediately," one of the schools that received the threat informed parents in an advisory.

What Bengaluru Police said

Bengaluru Police evacuated the schools and deployed bomb disposal squads to search for the planted explosives.

However, according to initial reports, nothing suspicious has been found in any of the premises.

"The email claimed that explosives had been planted on school premises. We received a call from the command centre and immediately rushed our teams to schools, which are located in different parts of the city. All students and staff have been safely evacuated from the school premises, and a thorough search operation is being carried out," a senior police officer said.

So far, nothing suspicious has been found yet and prima facie looks like it's a hoax message. Parents need not panic; our teams are on the ground, he said.

Don't panic: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar visited one of the schools which received the bomb threat. He took information from the school and the police about the situation.

"I was a bit dismayed after seeing the news on TV, as some schools I know and the one near my house were also mentioned. So I went out to check. The police have shown me the mail. Prima facie, it appears to be fake (hoax). I spoke to the police... But we should be cautious. Parents are a bit worried; no need to worry. Police are looking into it," he said.

Shivakumar appealed to parents not to worry and said their children would be safe.

"Some mischief mongers might have done this; in 24 hours, we will nab them. Cybercrime police are active; they are doing their job... We should also be cautious and should not neglect," he added.

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