Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) receives a bomb threat via email, demanding a ransom. Authorities assure security measures as investigations launched
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — In a concerning incident, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) received a bomb threat on the evening of Thursday January 9. The threat, which was sent via email, has stirred a wave of anxiety among students and staff at the prestigious university. The email, originating from an anonymous sender, demanded a ransom of Rs 2 lakh through UPI, further intensifying the situation.
As soon as the university administration became aware of the bomb threat, they took swift action. AMU officials promptly notified the police, and a thorough investigation was launched. In response to the threat, law enforcement agencies deployed bomb disposal units, dog squads, and cyber teams to investigate the source of the email and ensure the safety of everyone on campus.
Circle Officer Abhay Kumar Pandey confirmed that the police were informed by the university officials about the bomb threat. “The university administration promptly reached out to the authorities, and we immediately deployed bomb disposal units, dog squads, and cyber teams. A detailed search operation is currently underway across the campus to ensure there is no danger to the students and staff,” Pandey said.
The search operation, which included thorough sweeps of the main areas of the campus, has so far yielded no suspicious objects or explosives. However, the authorities remain vigilant, continuing their efforts to uncover the source of the threat.
AMU’s Proctor, Professor Mohammad Wasim Ali, assured the public that every possible measure was being taken to protect the students and employees. “We have informed the police, and the investigation is ongoing. At this moment, we do not know the identity of the sender, but we are committed to ensuring the safety of everyone on campus. The university is taking all necessary precautions,” Professor Ali said.
As the investigation unfolds, the AMU administration, in cooperation with law enforcement, is urging students and staff to stay alert. “We ask all members of the university community to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activity to the police. Their safety is our utmost priority,” said Professor Ali.
Despite the lack of any immediate threats, the university has implemented additional safety measures to keep the campus secure. “The situation is under control, but we are not taking any chances. The police and university administration are working hand in hand to ensure everything runs smoothly,” added Professor Ali.
This incident at Aligarh Muslim University is not an isolated case. Since April 2024, there has been a rise in bomb threats targeting educational institutions and other public spaces in India. Last year, numerous schools in Delhi were threatened, followed by bomb hoaxes at airports and hotels across the country. However, investigations into these threats ultimately revealed that no explosives were found.
Authorities have expressed concern about the growing trend of bomb threats, many of which have turned out to be hoaxes. In fact, just last year, multiple flights were also threatened with bomb attacks, yet no danger was discovered after extensive investigations.
This recent incident at AMU marks the first bomb threat of the year in India, raising questions about the reasons behind such threats and the motives of those responsible. Police are currently working to trace the origin of the threatening email and determine whether it is part of a wider pattern.
The threat has left many students and faculty members on edge. “It’s a very frightening situation, especially because we have no idea who is behind this. The authorities are doing their best, but it’s still a nerve-wracking experience,” said one student, who asked to remain anonymous.
Another staff member expressed concern about the increasing frequency of such incidents, stating, “It’s becoming hard to ignore these threats. We hope the authorities can identify the culprit soon and put an end to these disruptions.”
As of the latest update, no suspicious items have been found, but investigations are ongoing. The police are tracing the UPI number mentioned in the email, which could provide crucial information about the sender. In the meantime, AMU continues to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure that all safety protocols are followed.
The growing number of bomb threats highlight the challenges faced by authorities in preventing panic and ensuring the security of public spaces.
In the case of AMU, the authorities have acted swiftly to prevent any harm, and their response has been praised by the university administration. “We are grateful for the prompt action taken by the police and other agencies. It is comforting to know that they are doing everything in their power to keep us safe,” said a university official.
The police are urging the public to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity. “We are following all leads and working closely with the university to ensure that this matter is resolved as quickly as possible,” said Circle Officer Pandey.
While the bomb threat at Aligarh Muslim University has sparked concern, the authorities’ swift response has ensured that no harm was done. As investigations continue, AMU students and staff are urged to remain vigilant. The incident also serves as a reminder of the rising number of bomb threats in India, a trend that has left many questioning the motives behind such acts of intimidation. For now, all eyes are on the investigation, as the police work to uncover the identity of those responsible and ensure the safety of all.
