Four hospitals in the national capital of Delhi received bomb threats via email on May 14, escalating security concerns in the region. This incident follows similar threats directed at the Indira Gandhi International Airport and multiple government hospitals in recent days.
Officials from the Delhi Fire Service confirmed that Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital, GTB Hospital, Dada Dev Hospital, and Hedgewar Hospital all reported receiving threatening emails. According to a Delhi Fire Services official, the spate of calls regarding the bomb threat mails began at around 10.45 am.
Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital in Ashok Vihar received the first call at 9.45 am, Dada Dev Hospital in Dabri at 10.55 am,Hedgewar Hospital in Farsh Bazar at 11.01 am and GTB Hospital in Shahdara at 11.12 am. “Police and the bomb disposal squad are conducting the checks. We have also conducted checks twice. Nothing suspicious has been found so far,” said V K Sharma, security officer at Hedgewar Hospital.
#WATCH | Dr. Hedgewar Aarogya Sansthan located in Delhi's Karkardooma received bomb threat email today, say Police
"The hospital's security in-charge VK Sharma says,"…We have tightened security at the hospital after thorough checking of the hospital premises. Police and Bomb… pic.twitter.com/X82Ryrkgto
— ANI (@ANI) May 14, 2024
The mail about an explosive in the hospital was received by a doctor at the hospital, he said. Promptly responding to the alerts, bomb disposal squads, along with personnel from the fire department and local police, conducted thorough searches at each location to ensure the safety of staff and patients.
Delhi Police have initiated an investigation to determine the origin of these threatening emails, as security measures are heightened across the four hospitals.
Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and over half a dozen government hospitals in Delhi received bomb threats through email on May 12, sending authorities at the respective establishments into a tizzy. Soon after the bomb threats, a search operation was launched at all places.
According to Delhi Police, IGI Airport received a bomb threat through email from an unidentified account. The sender threatened the presence of an explosive device inside the premises. Similar emails were received at two government hospitals, including Burari Government Hospital, and Mangolpuri’s Sanjay Gandhi Hospital on May 13 afternoon. While no suspicious items were found during searches following the previous threats, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to thwart any potential security risks.
The recent surge in bomb threat emails adds to the growing concerns over security in the National Capital. Earlier on May 1, over 131 schools in Delhi-NCR received similar threats via email, prompting widespread alarm and subsequent investigations by law enforcement agencies.
Later, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an official statement calling the email a ‘hoax.’
As authorities continue their investigations into these threats, the safety and security of residents and essential facilities remain paramount. Vigilance and cooperation from the public are essential in ensuring the swift resolution of these incidents and maintaining peace and stability in the region.
