Delhi airport, hospitals get bomb threat days after scare at schools; search on
Bomb threats via email targeted Delhi hospitals and airport, prompting swift response. No explosives found. Heightened security measures in place.
On Sunday, Delhi, India's bustling capital, was shaken by a series of bomb threats targeting various hospitals and the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The threats, sent via email, prompted swift action from authorities, including the deployment of bomb disposal squads and fire tenders.
The day began like any other, with hospitals across the city attending to patients and the airport managing its usual flow of travelers. However, the tranquility was shattered when Burari Hospital received an ominous email at 3:15 pm, warning of a bomb threat. The email, terse and threatening, sparked panic among hospital staff and patients alike.
In a coordinated response, local police, bomb disposal squads, and canine units rushed to Burari Hospital to assess the situation. Deputy Commissioner of Police (north) M K Meena confirmed the receipt of the email and assured the public that authorities were taking all necessary precautions. Teams scoured the hospital premises meticulously, searching for any signs of explosives or suspicious activity. Despite the thorough search, nothing alarming was found at that time.
Meanwhile, just over an hour later, at 4:26 pm, Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital also received a similar threat via email. The hospital authorities wasted no time in alerting the authorities and implementing emergency protocols. Fire engines were dispatched to both hospitals as a precautionary measure, ready to respond to any situation that might arise.
The Delhi fire services, along with law enforcement agencies, remained on high alert as the search operations continued in both hospitals. The tension in the air was palpable as staff and patients anxiously awaited updates on the situation. Fortunately, as the hours passed, it became evident that the threats were, at least for the time being, just that—threats.
However, the scare was far from over. Reports started pouring in that several other hospitals in Delhi, including the renowned Hindu Rao Hospital, had also received similar threatening emails. This revelation escalated concerns and stretched the resources of the already-stretched law enforcement and emergency response teams.
In a city already grappling with various challenges, including the ongoing pandemic, the sudden emergence of these threats added an extra layer of complexity and fear. Families anxiously awaited news of their loved ones' safety, while authorities worked tirelessly to ensure the security of the affected institutions and the public at large.
As the evening wore on, with tension mounting across the city, another bomb threat emerged—this time targeting the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The threat, received via email around 6:15 pm, sent shockwaves through the airport's management and travelers.
Airport authorities wasted no time in initiating their emergency protocols, coordinating with law enforcement agencies to assess the threat and ensure the safety of passengers and staff. Security personnel were deployed throughout the airport, conducting thorough sweeps of terminals and facilities.
Passengers, already weary from the stresses of travel, found themselves caught in the midst of a potentially dangerous situation. Flights were delayed, and security checks intensified, leading to long queues and frayed nerves. Yet, despite the disruptions, the airport authorities and law enforcement agencies maintained a sense of calm professionalism, reassuring passengers and ensuring that safety remained their top priority.
Throughout the evening, as the search operations continued both at the hospitals and the airport, the city remained on edge. Rumors circulated, adding to the confusion and anxiety, while authorities worked diligently to separate fact from fiction.
Finally, as the night descended, and the threat of danger seemed to wane, a collective sigh of relief washed over Delhi. The bomb threats, though disruptive and alarming, had not materialized into actual attacks. The swift response of the authorities and the cooperation of the public had averted a potential disaster.
However, the incident served as a stark reminder of the ever-present threats faced by modern cities, both from within and outside their borders. It also highlighted the resilience of the people and the importance of preparedness and unity in the face of adversity.
As the city gradually returned to normalcy, with hospitals resuming their services and flights taking off once again, the memory of that tense Sunday lingered. Yet, amidst the fear and uncertainty, there was also a sense of pride in how Delhi had rallied together in the face of danger, proving once again that in times of crisis, unity and resolve can triumph over fear.