Teenager Arrested for Bomb Threats to Airlines: Authorities Investigate Motive and Larger Conspiracy

In a dramatic turn of events, a 17-year-old boy from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, was apprehended on Wednesday for issuing bomb threats to multiple airlines over the past three days. The minor allegedly sent these threats to four different flights using a fake social media account, reportedly motivated by a personal dispute involving money with a friend.

The Money Dispute Behind the Threats

According to sources, the boy created a fake account on X (formerly Twitter) using his friend's name to send out bomb threats on October 14. This act of revenge was allegedly linked to a financial disagreement between the minor and his friend. The authorities, after tracing the online threats, detained the boy on Wednesday to investigate whether he acted alone or as part of a larger conspiracy. Security agencies are continuing to verify all leads to ensure no broader malicious intent behind the threats.

A Surge of Bomb Threats Targets Indian Airlines

This incident came amidst a disturbing wave of bomb threats targeting Indian airlines. Over a span of three days, at least 19 flights operated by various Indian carriers received bomb threats. Fortunately, all threats turned out to be hoaxes, but not before causing significant disruptions and concerns for passengers and authorities.

On Monday, three international flights departing from Mumbai—two operated by IndiGo and one by Air India—were the first to receive these bomb threats. The New York-bound Air India flight was diverted to New Delhi, while the IndiGo flights to Muscat and Jeddah were delayed for hours as they underwent stringent security checks in isolation bays.

By Tuesday, the situation escalated as seven more flights, including another bound for the United States, received bomb threat messages through a social media handle. This prompted airport security teams across the country to engage in counter-terrorism drills and heightened precautionary measures to ensure the safety of all passengers and flight operations.

More Flights Disrupted by Bomb Threats

Wednesday saw further disruptions when a Bengaluru-bound Akasa Air flight from Delhi was forced to return to Indira Gandhi International Airport after receiving a bomb threat. Similarly, an IndiGo flight from Mumbai to Delhi was redirected to Ahmedabad following another security alert. The flurry of threats rattled both passengers and aviation authorities, sparking a wave of security tightening at major airports.

Investigations Focus on Social Media Threats

The investigation has revealed that many of the bomb threats were posted on X, and the Mumbai Police swiftly acted by issuing a notice to the 17-year-old boy and his family, as well as a third individual linked to the X account used for the threats. According to Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg, the police in coordination with Raipur Cyber Cell collected electronic data to identify the source of the threatening messages.

Mumbai Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982, to tackle the gravity of the situation. The police have yet to determine if the teenager acted alone or if others were involved.

Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu’s Response

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu addressed the issue on Wednesday, emphasizing that law enforcement agencies are actively investigating all bomb threat cases and taking steps to prevent future disruptions. The minister confirmed that the minor responsible for targeting three flights had been arrested and reassured the public that all others involved would be identified and prosecuted.

Minister Naidu also condemned any threats that jeopardize the safety and operational integrity of India's aviation sector. He stressed that the government is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with global security agencies to ensure the highest levels of security at airports and on flights. Naidu's assurance came after he chaired a high-level meeting with officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and other key agencies to enhance preventive measures.

Delhi Police Take Additional Action

Meanwhile, the Delhi Police confirmed the registration of an FIR under the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act in connection with the hoax bomb threat against an Akasa Air flight. The police noted that a comprehensive investigation is underway and that they have already coordinated with the concerned social media platform to suspend all accounts responsible for spreading the false threats.

The bomb threats, although ultimately fake, have highlighted vulnerabilities in aviation security and prompted a renewed focus on cyber-based threats. Authorities are now pushing to bolster social media monitoring systems and enhance their response capabilities to swiftly counter future threats.

The recent bomb threats against Indian airlines, though hoaxes, serve as a reminder of the potential risks facing the aviation industry. The swift action by authorities in apprehending the minor and securing flights demonstrates the readiness of law enforcement, but it also underscores the need for continued vigilance. As investigations unfold, both passengers and industry stakeholders can expect enhanced security protocols to ensure safe and uninterrupted air travel.