In a troubling escalation of hoax bomb threats targeting airlines, a 25-year-old unemployed man from Delhi has been arrested by authorities for making false threats. This marks only the second arrest since a surge of such threats began disrupting flights across the country last week.
According to the Delhi Police, the suspect, identified as Shubham Upadhyay from Rajapuri in Uttam Nagar, admitted to issuing the threats to draw attention to himself. He had been inspired by similar incidents he saw reported on television. His arrest comes after two threat messages were sent from his social media account to the Indira Gandhi International Airport between Friday night and early Saturday morning.
Over 275 Flights Targeted Since Mid-October
This arrest follows a string of hoax threats that have caused significant disruption to airline operations. Since October 14, more than 275 flights have received bomb threats, sparking alarm and delays across India. Last week, Mumbai Police detained a 17-year-old from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, who allegedly made threats against four flights on October 14.
One of these flights, Air India AI 119 from Mumbai to New York, was diverted to New Delhi, while another flight was cancelled.
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The incidents have not only caused widespread panic but have also highlighted the growing misuse of social media platforms to spread misinformation and create fear. In response, Indian authorities are ramping up efforts to track down those responsible and reassure the public.
Social Media Platforms Under Scrutiny
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology issued an advisory on Friday urging social media platforms to act swiftly against the spread of false information, including hoax bomb threats. The ministry emphasized that such misinformation poses a serious threat to public safety and warned platforms that failure to meet their due diligence obligations could result in legal consequences.
Civil Aviation Minister Vows Action
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu expressed deep concern over the rise in hoax threats, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of passengers and airline staff. In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Naidu emphasized that strict action would be taken against individuals responsible for these malicious acts.
“We are deeply concerned in the wake of recent hoax bomb threats disrupting air travel. I assure you that safety and security are our highest priorities, and we are committed to taking strict action against those behind these malicious acts. Let’s work together to ensure safe skies for all,” Naidu stated.
Heightened Security and Public Reassurance
The Delhi Police have reassured the public that all necessary security measures are in place to prevent any actual threats from materializing. In a statement released on Saturday, they encouraged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
“We reassure the public that all necessary security measures are in place, and there is no cause for alarm. We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” the statement read.
The Legal Ramifications
Both recent arrests highlight the legal consequences of issuing false bomb threats. In addition to causing unnecessary panic, these threats have resulted in the delay and cancellation of flights, leading to financial losses and severe disruptions to the travel industry. Law enforcement agencies have made it clear that such activities will not be tolerated and that those involved will face strict legal action.
