Bomb Threats to Indian Flights Traced to IPs in London and Germany: Reports

New Delhi: Days after several bomb threats targeting flights were shared on social media, Central intelligence agencies have reportedly traced the IP addresses behind the threats to locations in London and Germany. Across India, at least 25 flights of various Indian airlines have received bomb threats over the last four days, including international flights, and some of them were diverted. All these threats have turned out to be hoaxes. 

In two cases, fighter jets of Singapore and Canada had to be scrambled to help the Indian planes that were carrying hundreds of passengers.  These fake threats have led to inconveniencing hundreds of passengers and airline crew apart from security agencies. They have taken a heavy toll on airline logistics and operational costs, officials said. 

On Wednesday, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said law enforcement agencies are actively pursuing all cases of bomb threats against airlines and the government is closely monitoring the situation.

A minor boy of 17 years of age from Chhattisgarh has been detained by the Mumbai Police in connection with the hoax bomb threats posted on social media platform X targeting three flights originating from Mumbai on October 14. 

Seven Incidents of Bomb Threat at Delhi Airport This Month

Usha Rangnani, Deputy Commissioner of Police for IGI Airport, stated that the IGI Airport Police have dealt with seven reported bomb threats this month, all of which were confirmed as hoaxes following thorough verification and inspection. Legal action has been initiated against those responsible to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety and security of passengers and airport operations.

Rangnani also confirmed that an FIR has been filed under sections 217 and 351(4) of the BNS, along with section 3(1)(d) of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982, in connection with the recent hoax bomb threat targeting an Akasa Air flight. A detailed investigation is underway, with cooperation from the relevant social media platform.

Seven Bomb Threats in Mumbai in 72 Hours

Mumbai Police has registered at least seven cases of bomb threats to domestic and international flights in the last three days, an official said.

The airlines affected by the threats included Air India, IndiGo and Vistara, among others, said a police official.

Four cases were registered at Sahar Police Station, which includes two cases registered on Thursday, whereas three cases were registered at the Airport Police Station, he said.