Why unemployed Delhi man sent fake bomb threats to several flights, cops probe

A 25-year-old unemployed man from Delhi has been taken into custody for making fake bomb threats to flights

Published on: Oct 27, 2024, 07:59:55 IST

By HT News Desk

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A 25-year-old unemployed man, Shubham Upadhyay from Uttam Nagar, was arrested on Saturday for allegedly sending false bomb threats to multiple airlines, stated Delhi police officials.

Over 275 flights have received bomb threats since October 14 (PTI)

Also Read: 25-year-old unemployed Delhi man held for bomb hoax threats

Last week, Mumbai police detained a 17-year-old in connection with making threats about bombs on four flights after 275 flights received such threats since October 14.

Why did the man issue bomb threats?

A senior police official said the Class 12 graduate allegedly made posts on social media threatening to bomb Delhi-bound flights after watching television reports about such hoaxes.

Also Read: Bomb threats to airlines continue, over 25 flights targeted today

Usha Rangnani, deputy commissioner of police (IGI airport) told an HT reporter, “He wanted to draw attention to himself and sent the messages as a prank. The matter is currently under further investigation.”

Another officer stated that after Upadhyay saw television reports of bomb hoaxes, he is believed to have copied the schedule of Delhi-bound flights and pasted them along with a threat saying there was a bomb on these planes.

Also Read: Three flights at Pune Airport receive bomb threats

After tracing the posts to an account owned by Shubham Upadhyay early on Saturday, the police said they immediately registered a case under the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation (SUA-SCA) Act and sections of criminal intimidation under the BNS.

Security has been strengthened around the IGI airport and the police have assured the public to not be alarmed as they are investigating other claims as well.

On Friday, the ministry of electronics and information technology sent an advisory to social media platforms to act promptly on fake bomb threats issued to airlines as such misinformation poses a grave risk to public order. They also warned platforms that the ministry would take action if there was any negligence on their part.

In a post on X, civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu responded to the rising bomb hoaxes, stating, “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.”

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HT News Desk
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