New Delhi: In a shocking case of revenge gone wrong, a Class 11 dropout from Chhattisgarh was apprehended for sending bomb threats to four flights using a fake social media account created in his friend’s name. The minor, driven by a personal dispute over money, resorted to extreme measures to implicate his friend by issuing threats via X (formerly Twitter) on October 14, sources revealed.
The repercussions of this act were severe: an Air India flight bound for New York had to be diverted to New Delhi, causing major disruptions. Two other flights, both operated by IndiGo one heading to Muscat and the other to Jeddah were delayed for hours as the planes were shifted to isolation bays for thorough security checks.
A Vindictive Plot Unfolds
The teenager’s ploy stemmed from a monetary argument with his friend, pushing him to create a false identity online and send the terrifying bomb threats. His aim was simple yet malicious to frame his friend and tarnish his reputation. Authorities arrested the minor from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, but concerns are mounting about whether this incident is part of a larger conspiracy. Security agencies are currently investigating if this was a one-off event or if it signals something more sinister.
A Surge in Bomb Threats Alarms Aviation Authorities
The recent surge in bomb threats across Indian flights has alarmed authorities. In the past two days, nearly a dozen flights, both domestic and international, received similar threats. However, extensive security checks revealed nothing suspicious on any of the aircraft. Despite the absence of any real danger, the panic caused by these hoax calls has been widespread. Mumbai Police registered three FIRs, while Delhi Police registered six cases in connection to these threats.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed his concern over the series of incidents, condemning the acts on social media. He assured that the situation is under close watch, with all necessary security measures being taken to ensure passenger safety. “We are committed to maintaining the highest security standards,” Naidu said, emphasizing the government’s priority to keep passengers safe amidst rising concerns.
Bomb Threats Force Emergency Landings and Nationwide Coordination
Earlier today, a Bengaluru-bound Akasa Air flight carrying over 180 passengers had to return to New Delhi due to a bomb threat. This incident, combined with the earlier disruptions, led to an emergency high-level meeting. Key officials from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the Intelligence Bureau (IB), and the Ministry of Home Affairs convened to address the ongoing threats.
Sources have indicated that the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and other agencies are working together on a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to better manage and respond to such situations in the future. One of the proposals put forth by the BCAS suggests adding individuals responsible for making hoax bomb calls to a “no-fly list,” a severe measure aimed at curbing such reckless behavior.
Parliament Expresses Concern over Passenger Safety
On the same day, officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) appeared before Parliament’s standing committee on transport, tourism, and culture. During the session, members of Parliament raised serious concerns over the sudden rise in hoax bomb threats, urging the government to outline its strategy for ensuring passenger safety and preventing future incidents.
While no actual bombs have been discovered, the psychological impact of these threats, combined with the operational disruptions they cause, has put immense pressure on India’s aviation security apparatus. As the authorities scramble to improve coordination and tighten security measures, the recent surge in threats serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in an interconnected world where a personal vendetta can spiral into a national security issue.
