Security agencies in New Delhi were placed on high alert on Monday, 9 February 2026, after a series of bomb threat emails targeted at least 10 schools and made alarming references to an alleged explosion inside the Indian Parliament at 1:11 PM on 13 February.
The messages reportedly contained inflammatory slogans such as “Delhi will become Khalistan,” invoked the name of Afzal Guru, and claimed responsibility on behalf of an organisation calling itself the Khalistan National Army. As a precaution, thousands of students and staff were evacuated, bomb disposal squads were deployed, and thorough searches were conducted across affected premises.
Authorities have confirmed that no explosives have been found so far, but investigations are underway to trace the source of the emails and determine whether the threats are credible or part of a coordinated hoax. The incident has prompted heightened security across sensitive installations in the capital and renewed concerns about the growing misuse of digital platforms to spread panic.
City On Edge After Threatening Emails
The alarming chain of events began early Monday morning when several schools across Delhi received nearly identical emails warning of bomb attacks. The first alerts were reported between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM, prompting immediate action from school administrations and law enforcement agencies.
Among the institutions affected were prominent schools in Rohini, Sadiq Nagar, Delhi Cantonment, INA, and New Friends Colony. In each case, children were evacuated to safer areas, parents were informed, and emergency services were rushed to the scene.
Officials from the Delhi Fire Services confirmed that multiple teams, including bomb disposal units and dog squads, were deployed to conduct detailed inspections of classrooms, playgrounds and surrounding premises. Senior police officers stated that additional security was put in place around government buildings and the Parliament complex after the email specifically mentioned a timed explosion at the legislature later in the week. “We are treating every threat with utmost seriousness. So far, nothing suspicious has been recovered, but checks are continuing,” a police official said.
The threatening emails reportedly used provocative language and referenced separatist ideology, raising fears about potential attempts to create communal or political unrest. Cybercrime units are now examining digital footprints to identify the origin of the messages, including IP addresses, email servers and possible links to earlier hoax campaigns. Parents and teachers, though relieved that no devices were found, expressed anxiety over the disruption caused to normal school life and examinations.
A Pattern of Hoaxes and Security Challenges
Unfortunately, such threats are not new to the national capital. Delhi and the wider National Capital Region have faced a surge of hoax bomb alerts in recent years, especially targeting schools, airports and courts. Only weeks earlier, similar emails were sent to more than a dozen schools in Gurugram, which were later declared false alarms after extensive searches. These repeated incidents place immense pressure on security agencies, emergency services and educational institutions.
Experts say that while most such threats eventually turn out to be hoaxes, each one must be treated as genuine until proven otherwise. The cost of evacuations, lost instructional hours, and the emotional distress to children and parents is significant. Moreover, hoaxes divert police attention and resources away from real emergencies. In the digital age, creating anonymous email accounts and sending mass messages has become disturbingly easy, making it difficult for authorities to deter such behaviour.
The references in the latest email to Afzal Guru convicted for the 2001 Parliament attack and to pro-Khalistan slogans have added a sensitive political dimension to the case. Security analysts note that invoking such charged historical events appears designed to provoke fear and attract media attention. Delhi Police have stated that they are coordinating with central intelligence agencies and cybersecurity experts to ensure that no credible threat is overlooked.
Meanwhile, schools have begun reviewing their own safety protocols, including emergency evacuation procedures and communication systems with parents. Many have requested stronger cyber monitoring and faster coordination channels with local police to respond swiftly in case of future incidents.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Incidents like these reveal how easily fear can be weaponised in today’s interconnected world. Whether these emails turn out to be malicious hoaxes or something more serious, their impact is real: anxious children, worried parents, disrupted classrooms and stretched public resources. Threats that invoke divisive slogans or historical wounds only deepen mistrust and polarisation within society.
At The Logical Indian, we firmly believe that security must always go hand in hand with social responsibility. Law enforcement agencies deserve appreciation for acting swiftly and prioritising public safety. At the same time, it is essential that investigations are transparent and that verified information reaches the public quickly to prevent rumours from spreading. Citizens, too, have a role to play by avoiding the circulation of unconfirmed messages on social media and by responding calmly to official advisories.
