AMU receives bomb threat email demanding ₹2 lakh ransom; Security forces sweep campus

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) in Uttar Pradesh received a bomb threat via email on Thursday, demanding a ransom of ₹2 lakh. The university administration immediately reported the threat to local law enforcement, triggering a comprehensive security response. A bomb disposal unit, dog squads, and cybercrime teams were deployed to search the campus for any suspicious items and to investigate the origin of the email.

Circle Officer Abhay Kumar Pandey confirmed that university authorities informed the police about the bomb threat email, prompting the immediate deployment of security personnel. A thorough search operation was carried out across the campus, focusing on both crowded areas and isolated spots. The Maulana Azad Library, a high-traffic area on campus, was one of the first locations to be checked. No suspicious objects or explosives were found during the extensive search, which involved both manual checks and the use of bomb detection technology.

The police operation included the involvement of cybercrime experts to trace the sender of the threatening email. Superintendent of Police (City) Mrigank Shekhar Pathak assured that all security measures were in place to safeguard the campus community. "Our priority is the safety of everyone on campus, and we are maintaining strict vigilance across the premises," he stated. Pathak emphasized that police were working closely with university officials to ensure a coordinated response.

The threat comes amid a broader pattern of bomb threats directed at educational institutions across India in recent months. In recent days, similar threats have been made to several schools in Delhi and various airports in Uttar Pradesh. Many of these threats were later determined to be hoaxes, but they have raised concerns about the safety protocols at schools and universities. The current investigation into the AMU bomb threat will determine whether this is another hoax or a genuine threat.

AMU officials, including the Vice Chancellor, have reassured students and staff that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure their safety. Authorities are continuing their investigation, and security measures remain heightened on campus. The university is in close coordination with local law enforcement to resolve the situation and to maintain a secure environment for all members of the university community.