Authorities in Nagpur have identified a 35-year-old man from Gondia as the perpetrator of a series of hoax bomb threats that have caused widespread panic, flight delays, and heightened security at airports and various establishments. The suspect, Jagdish Uikey, is noted not only for his alleged involvement in these threats but also as an author of a book on terrorism. He was previously arrested in 2021 related to another case.
According to a senior police official, Uikey is currently evading capture after law enforcement traced the threatening emails back to him. The investigation, spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shweta Khedkar, has revealed substantial evidence linking Uikey to the communications.
Uikey reportedly sent emails to a range of governmental bodies, including the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and his deputy, as well as various airline offices, the Director General of Police (DGP), and the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
In a notable incident, on Monday, police heightened security measures around Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s residence following an email from Uikey in which he threatened to protest unless he was allowed to present information about a secret terror code he claims to have deciphered. He also requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to share his insights on terror threats.
Also read: PM Modi, Spanish counterpart inaugurate TATA aircraft complex for C-295 production
One of Uikey’s emails, sent on October 21 to the Railway Minister and forwarded to the DGP and RPF, prompted increased security protocols at railway stations across the region.
A special team has been established to locate and apprehend Uikey, with police expressing confidence that he will be captured soon. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the fact that, within just 13 days leading up to October 26, over 300 flights operated by Indian carriers received similar hoax bomb threats, primarily disseminated through social media platforms. On October 22 alone, approximately 50 flights, including 13 from both IndiGo and Air India, reported bomb threats, according to sources.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on ensuring the safety and security of public spaces and transportation systems in the wake of these alarming threats.
