Bengaluru: A private school in Bengaluru has been placed under heightened security after receiving a bomb threat email demanding money, triggering panic among the school management, parents and students. The threat was sent to National Public School (NPS), located in Jayanagar 4th Block, police officials confirmed on Tuesday.
According to the police, the threatening email was sent by an individual identifying himself as Mohammed Iqbal. The sender claimed that four bombs had been planted inside the school premises and warned that the explosives would be detonated if a ransom demand was not met.
Threat email and ransom demand
Police said the email demanded a payment of 60,000 US dollars, which is approximately ₹50 lakh, and specified that the amount should be paid through cryptocurrency. The email further mentioned February 25 as the final deadline, warning of dire consequences if the demand was ignored.
Investigators revealed that the email was sent as early as January 1, coinciding with New Year’s Day. However, the message came to light only later when the school principal checked the official email account. The delay in noticing the threat added to the shock and anxiety once the contents of the email were read.
Upon discovering the email, the school management immediately alerted the police and filed a complaint at the Tilak Nagar police station.
Police response and campus search
Following the complaint, police teams rushed to the school premises and initiated emergency security protocols. A bomb disposal squad and a dog squad were deployed to carry out a comprehensive search of the campus.
Officials said the inspection covered classrooms, corridors, laboratories, playgrounds and other key areas within the school premises. After an extensive and detailed search operation, the police confirmed that no explosive materials or suspicious objects were found anywhere on the campus.
A senior police officer stated that while the threat turned out to be a hoax so far, it was treated with utmost seriousness given the sensitive nature of the location and the safety of children.
Heightened security despite no explosives found
Despite the confirmation that no bombs were present, security around the school has been significantly stepped up. Police said this was necessary because the email explicitly mentioned a future deadline of February 25, keeping the threat technically active.
The school administration, in coordination with the police, has implemented additional safety measures. These include monitoring entry and exit points, increasing vigilance during school hours, and maintaining constant communication with local law enforcement agencies.
Parents were informed about the situation, leading to concern and anxiety. However, authorities have reassured them that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Investigation to trace sender
Police officials said investigations are underway to trace the origin of the threatening email. Cybercrime experts are analysing the email headers, IP addresses and digital footprints left by the sender. The demand for payment through cryptocurrency has added complexity to the investigation, as such transactions are designed to obscure identities.
“The accused continues to keep the school under threat through the email. We are working on identifying and apprehending the person responsible,” a police official said.
Investigators are also examining whether similar threat emails have been sent to other institutions and whether the incident is linked to any previous hoax threats reported in the city.
School functioning under caution
School authorities said the institution is functioning under constant caution and fear, given the seriousness of the message and the approaching deadline mentioned in the email. Daily precautions are being taken, and staff have been instructed to report any suspicious activity immediately.
Officials from the education department have also been informed about the incident and are in touch with the school management to ensure compliance with safety protocols.
Conclusion
The bomb threat email sent to National Public School in Jayanagar has once again highlighted the growing challenge of hoax threats and cyber-enabled extortion targeting educational institutions. While no explosives were found during the police search, the ongoing investigation and continued security measures underline the importance of vigilance. Authorities have assured parents and the public that student safety remains the top priority as efforts continue to track down the person behind the threat.