Recent bomb threats against various flights operating from Delhi, which caused significant operational and financial disruptions, are expected to be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for further investigation. At least 16 cases linked to these threats are likely to be handled by the NIA, as the threat’s national security implications and international connections become clearer.
Increase in Threats to Civil Aviation
In the last two weeks of October, over 510 flights, both domestic and international, received bomb threats that were later determined to be hoaxes. These threats had a major impact on airlines, disrupting flight schedules, and operations, and causing financial strain. The threats were mainly issued through social media platforms, leading to widespread concern in the aviation industry.
According to sources, the Delhi Police registered 16 cases in response to bomb threats targeting more than 150 flights operating from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). The first case was reported on October 16, when an Akasa Air flight bound for Bengaluru received a bomb threat via social media platform X. The flight, carrying over 180 passengers, was forced to return to Delhi, resulting in a major operational setback.
Transfer to NIA for National Security Concerns
The Delhi Police has reportedly requested the city’s home department to transfer these cases to the NIA, given the national security implications and international ramifications of the threats. The matter will be sent to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for final approval. Official sources highlighted that the cases were registered under the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation (SUA SCA) Act, which mandates a deeper investigation when such threats are made against flights.
The threats are considered a serious security risk, prompting the need for a more comprehensive investigation to uncover the individuals or groups responsible for instigating such hoaxes.
Challenges in Tracing the Threats
The investigation into these bomb threats has been complicated by the use of advanced methods to conceal the identity of the perpetrators. Police sources revealed that many of the threat messages were sent via Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), making it difficult to trace the origin of the communications. In some instances, the servers from which the threat messages were routed were located in European countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany, further complicating the investigation.
To assist in tracing the origins of these threats, the Delhi Police has reached out to central agencies and is working with Interpol to access additional details about the domains used to send the messages. Despite extensive efforts, no major breakthroughs have been reported yet in identifying the responsible parties.
Investigation and Arrest of Suspects
During the investigation, the Delhi Police interrogated a suspect, Jagdish Shriram Uikey, a 35-year-old from Gondia, Maharashtra. Uikey had sent an email to a central government minister claiming to have information about the sender of the bomb threats. However, upon interrogation, his claim was found to be false. Uikey reportedly informed authorities that a terrorist group was behind the threats. He had also written a book on terrorism titled Atankwad-Ek Tufaani Rakshash (Terrorism: A Fierce Demon).
Despite his claims, police sources have found no evidence linking him to the bomb threats. His involvement in the case is under further scrutiny.
Social Media Accountability and Government Action
The rise in hoax bomb threats has prompted the Indian government to take action against the spread of misinformation on social media platforms. In response to the surge of hoax threats, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (IT Ministry) instructed social media companies to adhere to their due diligence obligations. Platforms have been asked to promptly remove or disable access to misinformation within strict timelines as outlined under the Information Technology Rules.
This move comes as part of a broader effort to ensure that social media is not misused for spreading false information that could lead to chaos and undermine public safety.
The investigation into the bomb threats against Delhi-bound flights continues, with significant efforts being made to uncover the individuals or groups responsible. The likely transfer of these cases to the NIA reflects the severity of the threats and their potential impact on national security. As the situation develops, authorities remain focused on ensuring that such incidents do not disrupt the safety and security of the aviation sector. The government’s proactive measures to curb misinformation on social media platforms also underscore the growing need for accountability in the digital age.
