Delhi Security Forces Conduct Mock Drills Following Hoax Bomb Threats

In response to recent hoax bomb threats targeting over 250 schools in the Delhi-NCR region, security forces in Delhi conducted mock drills at various locations, including schools, airports, metro stations, and government buildings. The drills, which took place on Friday and Saturday, aimed to test the preparedness of security personnel against potential terror attacks or bomb threats.

Why this matters: The mock drills demonstrate the government's commitment to ensuring public safety and security, especially in the wake of increasing threats to vulnerable institutions like schools. This proactive approach can help prevent or mitigate the impact of potential attacks, saving lives and reducing anxiety among citizens.

The mock drills were carried out at key locations such as the IGI Airport, where the exercise was conducted by NSG commandos and Delhi Police on Friday at 10 pm. Other sites included the Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, Hyderabad House, Delhi Public School (DPS) in RK Puram, Taj Palace Hotel, Yasho Bhoomi in Dwarka, Kashmere Gate Metro Station, and the New Parliament building in central Delhi.

At the IGI Airport, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), fire department, and Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) participated in the drill, which lasted for at least half an hour. Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI) assured the public, "no need to panic. It is a terror attack mock drill exercise which is being conducted in a coordinated manner with other agencies."

The mock drills were conducted in response to nearly 200 schools receiving hoax bomb threats on Wednesday, which were later found to be false. Despite the threats being hoaxes, security forces chose to conduct the drills to ensure preparedness and avoid taking any chances.

According to a Delhi Police source, "Over 10 locations have been chosen for these drills, which will continue till late night." The drills involved NSG commandos, Delhi Police, and other agencies working together to simulate terror attack scenarios.

The hoax bomb threats on Wednesday morning led to widespread panic among students and parents, with authorities suspending classes and asking parents to pick up their children from schools. Even after schools reopened to normalcy on Thursday, attendance remained low, including in schools that did not receive the threatening emails.

Delhi Police appealed to the public not to believe in audio messages that surfaced on WhatsApp groups making false claims about the bomb threats. The mock drills conducted by security forces demonstrate their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens, especially in the wake of such threats targeting vulnerable institutions like schools.

Key Takeaways

• Delhi security forces conduct mock drills at schools, airports, and government buildings.
• Drills aim to test preparedness against potential terror attacks or bomb threats.
• Over 10 locations chosen for drills, including IGI Airport and Rajiv Chowk Metro Station.
• Mock drills conducted in response to 200+ hoax bomb threats to Delhi-NCR schools.
• Security forces demonstrate commitment to public safety and security.