NEW DELHI: After more than 35 schools in Bengaluru received email bomb threats on Friday morning, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) president Priyank Kanoongo expressed “concern” and said that threats given to schools indicated that they’re intended to “scare” children’s guardians.
“We received the information that many schools in Bengaluru received bomb threats. It’s a serious concern and it has not happened for the first time…Threats given to schools seriously indicate that it’s intended to scare children’s guardians regarding their safety and security”, Kanoongo said.
He further said that he had brought this issue to the police commissioner’s attention and instructed them to ensure the safety of children. “We are bringing this to the police commissioner’s notice and telling them to ensure the safety of children and try to find out the reason behind such threats”, he added.
Earlier, after the bomb threats were received by the schools, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said “Security measures have been taken, and parents need not panic.” Further, he said that he has instructed the police to inspect the schools and enhance security and urged parents to remain calm during this time.
“The police will investigate, and I have directed them to do so. Security measures have been taken, and parents need not panic. I have instructed the police to inspect the schools and enhance security. A preliminary report has been received from the police department,” Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah said.
Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara assured stringent action against the perpetrators. He emphasised the government’s commitment to safety, stating that all necessary precautions are being taken, including thorough inspections of the schools.
“Last year also such threats were received. We cannot take any risk; we are inspecting the schools and taking all precautionary measures in schools. We will take strict action against those who are making threatening calls. We are looking into all aspects”, Dr G Parameshwara said.
Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar visited a school in Bengaluru after several schools received threatening e-mails. The Deputy CM said that he had visited some of the schools in the wake of these schools receiving bomb threats through e-mails . Shivakumar met police officials at the the Sadashiva Nagar Neev Early Years preschool in Sadashivnagara and directed them to conduct proper investigation.
Police Commissioner B Dayananda said that initial probe showed that the calls appeared to be a hoax. (ANI)