Aligarh Muslim University tightens security following bomb threat email

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has heightened security after receiving a threatening email warning of a campus explosion, police reported on Friday.

Superintendent of Police (City) Mrigank Shekhar Pathak confirmed that checks at sensitive locations in and around the university have been ongoing since Thursday evening. The email, sent to top university officials, including the Vice Chancellor, has prompted authorities to leave no stone unturned in addressing the threat.

“We are not taking any chances,” Pathak stated, adding that strict vigilance has been implemented in crowded areas, such as the Maulana Azad Library.

AMU spokesperson Asim Siddiqui revealed that the email also contained a demand for ransom money. The university immediately informed the police, who have activated the Cyber Crime Cell to trace the origin of the email.

Police teams, including dog squads, have been deployed at key points across the campus to ensure safety. Circle Officer (Civil Lines) Abhay Pandey said efforts are underway to determine whether the threat is genuine or a hoax aimed at disrupting peace in the area.

This incident follows a pattern of similar bomb threats targeting educational institutions. On Friday, Delhi Police detained a Class 12 student for allegedly sending bomb threat emails to schools in the capital. Around a dozen institutions in Delhi received threats on Thursday, adding to a recent spate of such incidents across Uttar Pradesh, where several institutions and airports have been targeted. Most of these threats have turned out to be hoaxes.

Authorities at AMU are maintaining strict vigilance as investigations continue, ensuring the safety and security of the campus community.