Gujarat Schools Face Khalistan-Linked Bomb Threats, Hoaxes Confirmed
At least 31 schools across Vadodara and Ahmedabad, Gujarat, received Khalistan-linked bomb threats via email on February 16, 2026, prompting immediate evacuations and extensive security sweeps. Authorities are investigating the cyber origins, treating the alerts as hoaxes, similar to recent incidents. The threatening emails targeted political leaders and warned against hoisting the Indian flag.
Key Highlights
- Over 30 schools in Gujarat received bomb threats via email on Feb 16, 2026.
- Threats were explicitly linked to Khalistan, naming PM Modi and HM Amit Shah.
- All affected schools in Ahmedabad and Vadodara were immediately evacuated.
- Police and bomb disposal squads conducted extensive searches, finding no explosives.
- Authorities are treating the bomb threats as hoaxes and investigating their origin.
- Similar Khalistan-linked hoax threats have targeted schools recently in India.
On Monday, February 16, 2026, a significant security alert unfolded across Gujarat as at least 31 schools in the major cities of Ahmedabad and Vadodara received bomb threats via email. The threats, explicitly linked to the Khalistan movement, caused widespread panic among parents, students, and school administrations, leading to immediate evacuations and declaring a holiday for affected institutions.
The emails reportedly contained provocative messages, not only warning of imminent blasts but also specifically targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, labeling them as 'enemies of Khalistan'. Further, the messages warned against hoisting the Indian national flag in schools and declared an intent to transform Gujarat into a 'Khalistani state'. This type of specific, politically charged language, including references to Khalistan and warnings regarding Republic Day, mirrors similar hoax threats received by numerous schools in Ahmedabad just weeks prior, on January 23, 2026.
Upon receiving the threatening emails, school authorities promptly alerted the police and local administration. Law enforcement agencies, including the bomb detection and disposal squads (BDDS), dog squads, and cybercrime units, were immediately deployed to the affected school premises. Comprehensive searches were conducted at all locations to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Despite the intense search operations and initial alarm, police officials confirmed that no suspicious objects or explosives were found at any of the schools, and the threats were officially declared hoaxes. This incident marks a disturbing continuation of a pattern of similar email-based scare attempts targeting educational institutions in India. In December 2025, several schools in Ahmedabad, Amritsar (Punjab), and Delhi also received bomb threats, some of which were suspected to be Khalistan-linked or explicitly mentioned the Khalistan movement.
The cybercrime branch of the Gujarat police has initiated a thorough investigation to trace the origin of these emails. Authorities are treating these alerts as potential hoax bomb threats and are working to identify and apprehend those responsible for orchestrating these disruptive acts. The repeated nature of these threats, particularly with their specific ideological messaging, highlights an ongoing challenge for security agencies to monitor and counter such digital intimidation campaigns, which aim to create unrest and disrupt public life.
The incident led to significant logistical challenges, with thousands of students evacuated and parents rushing to schools to pick up their children amidst the uncertainty. Educational institutions like D.R. Amin, Urmi School, Nalanda, Baroda High School, and Navayug English Medium in Vadodara, and multiple schools including DAV International School, Asia School, A One School, and Nirma University in Ahmedabad, were among those affected. This recent wave of threats underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures and rapid response protocols within educational institutions to manage such crises effectively and minimize public panic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Gujarat regarding school bomb threats?
On February 16, 2026, at least 31 schools in Ahmedabad and Vadodara, Gujarat, received email-based bomb threats. This prompted widespread evacuations of students and staff.
Were the bomb threats linked to Khalistan?
Yes, the threatening emails explicitly mentioned links to the Khalistan movement, targeting prominent political figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, and included warnings against hoisting the Indian national flag.
Were the bomb threats real?
No, after extensive searches by police and bomb disposal squads, no suspicious objects were found in any of the targeted schools. Authorities have confirmed that the threats were hoaxes.
How many schools were affected in Gujarat?
Reports indicate that at least 31 schools across Ahmedabad and Vadodara received these bomb threats. Another report specified 15 schools and one university in Ahmedabad, along with multiple schools in Vadodara.
What action is being taken by authorities?
Police, including cybercrime units, have launched an investigation to trace the origin of the threatening emails and identify the perpetrators responsible for these hoax bomb threats.