Amidst heightened security concerns, the PSBB Millennium School in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, and another private school in Kanchipuram recently found themselves at the center of alarming situations. According to reports from the News Minute on March 4, both schools received hoax bomb threats, prompting swift responses from authorities.
The PSBB Millennium School reportedly received the threat via email during the night of March 3, while the private school in Kanchipuram received a threatening phone call on the morning of March 4. In response, bomb squads were deployed to both schools to conduct thorough searches for explosives. Fortunately, no explosives were found in either institution, easing concerns of a potential threat.
This incident comes on the heels of a similar scare in Chennai on February 8, when several schools received bomb threats. Schools including DAV, Gopalapuram, Chettinad Vidyashram in RA Puram, Chennai Public School in Anna Nagar and JJ Nagar, and St Marys’ School in Parrys were targeted. However, investigations later revealed that these threats were hoaxes, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance and swift responses to such incidents.
The issue of hoax bomb threats is not limited to Tamil Nadu alone. In December 2023, around 15 schools in Bengaluru also received similar threats via email. Despite efforts by law enforcement agencies to trace the source of these threats, the responsible parties remained unidentified, highlighting the challenges faced in addressing such incidents.
Meanwhile, a tragic incident occurred on March 1 when a blast rocked the Rameshwaram Cafe in Bengaluru, injuring several people and causing significant damage to the building. The incident prompted swift action from authorities, with a case registered under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and Explosive Substances Act against an unidentified individual. Subsequently, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) took over the investigation into the blast, signaling the seriousness of the situation.
Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge addressed the NIA’s involvement in the probe, stating that there was “nothing wrong” with the Union Home Ministry entrusting the investigation to the NIA. He emphasized that Karnataka authorities were fully cooperative and open to any investigation into the incident.
In light of these developments, the safety and security of educational institutions and public spaces remain paramount concerns. Heightened security measures and swift responses to threats are essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and the public at large. The incidents serve as reminders of the need for constant vigilance and collaboration among authorities and communities to address security challenges effectively.
