Bomb threat emails trigger evacuation at multiple Ahmedabad schools

A series of bomb threat emails received by several schools across Ahmedabad on Wednesday morning triggered panic and led to the evacuation of students, as police, fire services and bomb disposal teams carried out extensive search operations across the city.

Among the schools that received the threatening emails were Zydus School of Excellence in the Vejalpur–Jivraj Park, Zebar School for Children, Maharaja Agrasen Vidyalaya and DAV International School, police said. Soon after, similar emails were reported by Nirman School, Gems Genesis International School, Divine Child School and Avishkar School.

According to officials, the first alert was received around 10 am, after which local police teams rushed to the schools. Personnel from the Special Operations Group (SOG), Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), dog squad and the fire department were deployed as a precautionary measure, while fire tenders and ambulances were kept on standby.

Details of the threat email

Police sources said the emails were sent from an overseas email address early Wednesday morning. The subject line of the email contained a bomb threat, claiming that explosions would take place at around 1.11 pm. The message made references to alleged blasts in Ahmedabad and contained provocative political and extremist language, along with threats directed at prominent public figures. The email warned of consequences and sought to create fear by linking the alleged threat to international political issues.

Officials said the content of the email is being treated seriously, though its authenticity is yet to be established. “The language used in the mail is alarming and intended to spread panic. We are analysing the technical details of the email to trace its origin,” a senior police officer said.

Swift evacuation, searches underway

Vejalpur police officials said the management of Zydus School of Excellence informed the police immediately after receiving the email. “Our team reached the spot without delay. Students and staff were safely evacuated, and a systematic search of the premises was conducted,” he said.

Similar evacuation drills were carried out at other schools, with management announcing early dismissal to ensure the safety of students. Entire school campuses were cordoned off to allow security agencies to carry out thorough checks.

Senior fire department officials, including district-level officers, were present at various locations to coordinate emergency preparedness. “All standard operating procedures were followed. Our priority was to ensure there was no risk to children or staff,” a fire official said.

No suspicious object found so far

As of now, police confirmed that no suspicious objects or explosives had been recovered from any of the schools. “Nothing incriminating has been found so far, but searches are being conducted meticulously,” an SOG officer said.

Cybercrime teams have been roped in to trace the sender of the emails, analyse email headers and server routes, and determine whether the threats were hoaxes or part of a coordinated attempt to create fear by targeting multiple institutions simultaneously.

The incident caused anxiety among parents, many of whom rushed to the school premises after being informed of the evacuation. Police have appealed to citizens to remain calm and avoid circulating unverified information on social media.

Security has been stepped up at schools and other sensitive locations across Ahmedabad as a precaution, and additional police patrols have been deployed. Further details are awaited as the investigation continues.