Widespread panic gripped parts of Gujarat on Monday morning after more than 30 schools in Ahmedabad and Vadodara received bomb threats via email. The messages carried identical content, warning of explosions on campus and referring to plans to “turn Gujarat into Khalistan”. Police, bomb disposal squads, dog units and fire teams were rushed to the institutions as a precaution.
Among the schools that received the threatening emails were DAV International School in Makarba, Asia School in Vastrapur and A-One School in the Satellite area of Ahmedabad. In Vadodara, DR Amin School, Urmi School, Nalanda School, Baroda High School, Navayug School, Jivan Sadhana School, AWS School in Dabhoi and Shannen School in Khodiyarnagar were on the list. Nirma University also confirmed receiving a similar email.
School administrations immediately alerted the police and began emergency protocols. Classes were halted mid-session and students were sent home as a safety measure. In several cases, parents were called to pick up their children, leading to anxious scenes outside school gates. The hostel at Urmi School was also evacuated.
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Bomb detection teams conducted intensive searches across campuses, covering classrooms, laboratories, parking areas, transport zones and hostel blocks. No suspicious objects were found during the preliminary sweeps, which officials described as a significant relief. However, authorities stressed that the threats are being treated with full seriousness and no possibility is being ruled out.
The cyber cell has been tasked with tracing the origin of the emails. Technical teams are analysing IP addresses, server locations and routing paths to identify the sender. Investigators are also examining whether the emails were part of an organised attempt to create panic or a hoax using coordinated messaging, as multiple institutions received nearly identical content.
Security has been stepped up around educational institutions in both cities. Local police have intensified patrols and directed schools to enforce standard safety protocols, including stricter visitor verification, enhanced CCTV monitoring and controlled entry points.
The incident triggered widespread concern among parents, many of whom rushed to schools after receiving alerts from authorities. Officials urged the public to remain calm, avoid rumours and rely only on verified information.
Security agencies noted that such threats are often intended to spread fear, but every alert is handled as a real risk until proven otherwise. Schools have been instructed to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
Authorities said that once those responsible for the emails are identified, strict action will be taken under the IT Act and other relevant legal provisions. Police reiterated that the safety of students and staff remains the top priority and that there will be zero tolerance for any lapse in security.
While the situation is currently under control, both technical and intelligence agencies are working to uncover the network behind the threats and prevent similar incidents in the future.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
