January 28, 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Panic and confusion gripped Chandigarh on Monday after more than 25 schools across the city received bomb threat emails, forcing immediate evacuation of students, teachers, and non-teaching staff. The alarming messages triggered a large-scale emergency response involving police teams, bomb disposal squads, dog units, and local administration, as authorities moved swiftly to ensure the safety of thousands of children.
Threat Emails Spark Emergency Response
The threat emails were reportedly received by several prominent private and government schools during morning hours, just as regular classes were underway. School administrations acted quickly, alerting local police and initiating evacuation protocols. Students were moved out of classrooms and gathered in open areas while parents were informed to pick up their children as a precautionary measure.
Chandigarh Police confirmed receiving information about multiple threatening emails and immediately launched coordinated security checks across all affected institutions. Bomb disposal squads and sniffer dogs were deployed to thoroughly inspect school premises, including classrooms, auditoriums, playgrounds, washrooms, libraries, and parking areas.
Scenes of Anxiety Outside Schools
Outside school gates, anxious parents gathered in large numbers after receiving urgent messages from school authorities. Many rushed from workplaces to ensure their children’s safety, leading to heavy traffic congestion near several school zones.
Some parents expressed fear and frustration, saying that repeated incidents of threats targeting educational institutions have created an atmosphere of insecurity. Others appreciated the prompt action taken by school management and police officials, stating that evacuation was the right step even if the threat later turns out to be a hoax.
Students, especially younger children, appeared visibly shaken. Teachers and staff were seen comforting students while coordinating with authorities to maintain calm during the evacuation process.
Police Investigation Underway
Senior police officials stated that cybercrime units are actively tracing the origin of the threatening emails. Preliminary investigations suggest that the emails may have been sent using masked IP addresses, indicating a deliberate attempt to conceal identity. Authorities are examining whether the threats are linked to similar hoax cases reported in other Indian cities in recent months.
Police emphasized that such threats, even if proven to be fake, are treated as serious criminal offenses. Officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found responsible for creating panic and endangering public safety.
No Explosives Found So Far
Initial searches conducted by bomb squads reportedly found no suspicious objects or explosive materials in the school premises. However, security checks continued throughout the day as a precautionary measure. Authorities clarified that the evacuation was necessary to avoid any risk and to reassure students and parents.
District administration officials stated that there is currently no confirmation of any real explosive threat, but investigations remain ongoing until every possibility is ruled out.
Schools Strengthen Safety Protocols
Following the incident, several schools announced immediate reinforcement of security measures. These include stricter visitor entry protocols, enhanced CCTV monitoring, additional security personnel deployment, and closer coordination with local police stations.
Some school management committees also indicated they would conduct emergency drills and counseling sessions to help students cope with fear and anxiety caused by the incident.
Education officials stressed that student safety remains the top priority and assured parents that all necessary steps are being taken to prevent future incidents.
Political and Public Reactions
The incident has drawn strong reactions from political leaders and the public. Several leaders called for strict punishment for those behind such acts, stating that targeting schools is an attack on the safety of children and society as a whole.
Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, with citizens demanding stronger cyber surveillance and faster action against those responsible for spreading fear through hoax threats.
Many residents also raised concerns about the psychological impact on children, urging authorities to focus not only on security but also on mental health support for students affected by the incident.
Growing Concern Over Hoax Threat Culture
In recent times, bomb threat emails targeting airports, schools, courts, and public institutions have increased across India. While many of these threats later turn out to be hoaxes, they cause widespread disruption, panic, and misuse of public resources.
Security experts warn that even fake threats can have serious consequences, including trauma among children, disruption of education, and erosion of public trust. They emphasize the need for stronger cyber tracking mechanisms and awareness campaigns to deter such activities.
Authorities Appeal for Calm
Chandigarh administration urged citizens not to panic and to avoid spreading rumors. Officials appealed to the public to rely only on verified information and cooperate with authorities during ongoing investigations.
Parents have been advised to stay in touch with school management for official updates rather than trusting unverified messages circulating on messaging platforms.
Conclusion
The bomb threat emails targeting over 25 schools in Chandigarh have once again highlighted the vulnerability of educational institutions to hoax threats and cyber misuse. While no explosives have been found so far, the incident has left behind anxiety, disrupted routines, and renewed calls for stronger security frameworks.
As investigations continue, authorities remain focused on identifying those responsible and ensuring that schools remain safe spaces for learning rather than targets of fear.
Summary
Over 25 schools in Chandigarh received bomb threat emails, prompting evacuation of students and staff. Police, bomb squads, and cyber teams launched investigations, with no explosives found so far but security remaining high.