Chandigarh: Police are yet to identify those behind recent bomb threats sent to around 30 schools in Chandigarh, triggering widespread panic and temporary school closures. Furthermore, the Punjab and Haryana Secretariat has also received a bomb threat.
Meanwhile, in light of the rising number of threatening messages and cybercrimes, the Chandigarh Commission for Protection of Child Rights (CCPCR) has issued an important advisory, emphasizing the need to strengthen safety, security, and cyber awareness in schools.
These suggestions were given in the advisory
Strong security: Ensure strict security measures are in place on school campuses. No outsiders should be allowed to enter without verification. Any suspicious object should be immediately investigated and verified.
Metal detectors and other security devices: The use of metal detectors and other security devices is recommended in schools, especially during annual functions and events.
Coordination with Police: Any threatening messages, suspicious emails, phishing links or vishing calls should be immediately reported to the local police.
Training and Capacity Building: Regular training programmes should be organised by Chandigarh Police/Cyber Crime Police Station for school principals, teachers, administrative staff and security personnel on topics including disaster management, cyber security, emergency response and crowd control.
Stop rumours: Schools should refute any kind of rumour or misinformation and rely only on information issued by government authorities and administration.
Awareness for students and parents: Awareness sessions should be organised on cyber security, safe use of digital platforms and not sharing unverified information.
Clear communication: Clear communication protocols should be established to ensure accurate and verified information reaches parents in a timely manner, to avoid panic.
CCPCR Chairperson Urges Vigilance
CCPCR Chairperson Shipra Bansal, while appreciating the efforts of the Chandigarh Administration, said that Chandigarh is a highly vigilant Union Territory, where the administrative departments and all the stakeholders are working together with a handholding approach to ensure a safe, secure and fear-free environment for the children.
Chandigarh has received threats for two consecutive days.
Bomb threats against schools were made on January 28th.
A bomb threat against 30 schools in the city was received on January 28th, sending shockwaves throughout the city. Schools were closed during this period, and police conducted inspections. The threats targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and included terms like calling Chandigarh Khalistan.
Threats to blow up the Punjab and Haryana Secretariats on the 29th
The very next day, on January 29, 2026, a threat to blow up the Punjab and Haryana Secretariats was received. This further increased the concern of the Punjab Police and other security agencies. Security agencies were also concerned because former Chief Minister Beant Singh had previously been killed here with a bomb.
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