In a deeply worrying development, at least 10 schools in Delhi have received bomb threats over the past three days, sending waves of panic among students, parents, and educators.

While most threats have turned out to be hoaxes so far, the repeated incidents highlight major security concerns and create a climate of fear across the city.

---

Timeline of Recent Bomb Threats

The first threat in this new wave emerged on Monday, targeting a prominent private school in South Delhi. Over the next two days:

• Multiple schools in East and North Delhi received similar threatening emails.
• At least two central schools and three private institutions had to be evacuated urgently.
• On Wednesday, a well-known international school in Vasant Kunj was also targeted.

This series of threats is reminiscent of a similar spate earlier this year, but the frequency and spread have alarmed both authorities and parents.

---

How Authorities Responded

Delhi Police, in collaboration with bomb disposal squads, acted swiftly:

• Schools were evacuated immediately as a precautionary measure.
• Sniffer dog squads and bomb detection teams thoroughly searched the campuses.
• No explosives have been found so far, and all alerts have been declared safe after inspections.

Additional patrolling and temporary security arrangements have been deployed around school premises.

---

Impact on Students, Parents & Teachers

These threats have left a deep psychological impact on children:

• Students reported feeling scared and anxious about returning to school.
• Many parents expressed concern about sending their children back to campus even after the all-clear.
• Teachers have had to cancel exams and activities, disrupting the academic schedule.

Counseling sessions have been initiated in some schools to help students cope with fear and anxiety.

---

Investigation: Who Is Behind These Threats?

The Delhi Police cyber cell is tracing the origin of these emails:

• Initial clues suggest some emails may have been routed through foreign servers to avoid detection.
• Authorities are also investigating possible links to pranksters or groups trying to create public panic.

Officials are urging the public not to share unverified information, as it can worsen fear and spread misinformation.

---

Previous Incidents and Patterns

Delhi schools have faced similar threats in the past:

• In May 2023, over 100 schools across Delhi-NCR received bomb threat emails on the same day, all of which turned out to be hoaxes.
• Security agencies believe that the current threats might be inspired by or connected to those past incidents.

The pattern suggests a need for stronger cyber monitoring and stricter punishment for hoax threats.

---

Measures Taken to Strengthen Security

In response, authorities have intensified security measures:

• Regular security audits are being conducted in schools.
• Installation of CCTV cameras and metal detectors at school entrances.
• Awareness workshops for staff to handle emergency situations calmly.
• Quick-response teams have been placed on standby in high-risk areas.

Some schools are also revising their emergency evacuation plans to ensure student safety.

---

Government and Public Reactions

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condemned the threats, calling them “an attack on the future of the country.”
Education Minister Atishi Marlena assured parents of full cooperation and maximum safety measures.

Public reactions on social media ranged from anger to appeals for stricter cybercrime action. Many citizens urged authorities to bring the culprits to justice swiftly to restore a sense of security.

---

How to Talk to Children About Such Threats

Experts recommend:

• Keeping communication open and honest.
• Reassuring children about the safety measures in place.
• Encouraging them to express their feelings rather than bottling up fear.
• Limiting their exposure to sensational news coverage.

Counselors suggest schools introduce mental wellness programs to address long-term psychological effects.

---

Conclusion

The spate of bomb threats against Delhi schools is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our society and the urgent need to protect educational spaces.

While these threats have so far been hoaxes, they disrupt learning and create unnecessary panic. Swift investigation, robust security measures, and community awareness are essential to safeguard students and restore confidence among families.

Jamaluddin, popularly known as Chhangur Baba, is a self-styled ‘Pir’ from Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh. Once a street vendor, he rose to prominence as a spiritual leader through his Dargah-based gatherings and amulets. Authorities now allege that he used religious influence to operate an extensive illegal religious conversion machine targeting vulnerable communities

---

How Much Money Was Involved—and Through Which Channels?

The ATS and ED investigations have uncovered that over the past three years, Chhangur Baba received nearly ₹500 crore in foreign funding:

• ₹200 crore through official banking channels
• ₹300 crore routed covertly via Nepal, using over 100 bank accounts in Kathmandu and border districts like Rupandehi, Banke, and Nawalparasi

Deposits came from Pakistan, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey—allegedly to finance mass religious conversions

---

The Nepal-Hawala Connection Explained

Investigators found systematic use of hawala and hawkish cash-exchange networks:

• Funds sent to Nepali bank accounts,
• Converted to Indian rupees via agents in Bihar and UP (e.g., Bahraich, Shravasti),
• Commission rates of 4–5% were reportedly charged

This informal banking system allegedly facilitated secret fund transfers, evading official checks.

---

Bank Accounts & Real-Estate Empire

• ED flagged 40+ accounts in India and Nepal with suspicious transactions totaling ₹106 crore, primarily from the Middle East
• Additional accounts linked to foreign sources amounted to ₹68 crore, with ₹7 crore in just three months
• Chhangur Baba also allegedly acquired properties: a ₹5 crore mansion in Balrampur, a ₹16 crore estate in Lonavala, and assets in Pune and Nagpur

Assets were often bought using shell companies and forged documents, pointing to money laundering under PMLA and FEMA

---

Allegations of Illegal Conversions

Authorities allege Chhangur Baba orchestrated mass conversions using:

• Emotional manipulation, money, and marriage promises,
• A “conversion rate list” based on victims’ caste,
• Coercive use of aides like Neetu alias Nasreen,
• Targeting vulnerable women through conversion counselling at his mansion

Victims from Hindu backgrounds were reportedly indoctrinated, with the syndicate functioning like a criminal enterprise

---

Legal Action Taken So Far

• Arrests: Chhangur Baba and Neetu were arrested by UP ATS on July 5, 2025, with a ₹50,000 bounty on his head
• ED Cases: Money-laundering FIR filed; ₹100+ crore in foreign funding under ED’s scanner
• Bulldozer action: Demolition of illegal mansion in Balrampur and show-cause notices to others .
• Cross-border pursuit: ATS probing in Maharashtra and Nepal border districts, uncovering benami properties and NGO links

UP CM Yogi Adityanath called the syndicate “anti-national,” advocating strict enforcement

---

Implications and Expert Views

Experts note this case highlights:

• How religious conversion can be used as a cover for money laundering,
• Weak enforcement of foreign funding laws (FCRA, FEMA),
• Threats posed by cross-border hawala networks,
• Potential communal fallout due to politically sensitive nature.

Legal analysts emphasize the need to tighten KYC norms, monitor NGOs, and strengthen anti-money laundering mechanisms.

The Delhi Metro is known for being a reliable and safe mode of public transport, but recent reports suggest otherwise. A pickpocket gang is reportedly active across various metro stations, specifically targeting women traveling with children.

---

Why Pickpocketing Is Rising in Delhi Metro

The increasing crowd, limited surveillance, and ease of escaping make metro stations a hotspot for such crimes. These thieves often strike during rush hours, when passengers are distracted or in a hurry.

---

Who Is Being Targeted?

• Women with toddlers or strollers
• Commuters carrying handbags or backpacks
• People busy on their phones or social media

---

How the Gang Operates

• They work in groups of 2–3
• One distracts the victim while another commits the theft
• Sometimes they use children or elderly people to lower suspicion

---

Signs to Identify Suspects

• Repeatedly changing coaches or platforms
• Hovering too close without a reason
• Pretending to fall or bump into you

---

Tips to Stay Safe

• Keep your bags zipped and close to your body
• Avoid using phones near train doors
• Be cautious if someone tries to distract you suddenly
• Teach kids to stay close and alert

---

What Are the Authorities Doing?

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Delhi Police are increasing surveillance, deploying plainclothes officers, and encouraging passengers to report suspicious activity via helplines.