"Indian Authorities Trace Hoax Bomb Threats on Flights to IP Addresses in London and Germany, Prompting Stricter Aviation Security Measures"

In recent developments, Indian authorities have been grappling with a surge in hoax bomb threats targeting both domestic and international flights operated by Indian airlines. Central intelligence agencies have managed to trace the origins of some of these threats to IP addresses located in London, United Kingdom, and Germany. This uptick in false alarms has seen more than 20 flights being subjected to bomb threat alerts in just one week, prompting extensive security protocols and thorough investigations.

The wave of threats, which began earlier this month, has affected numerous flights and caused significant disruption. On Monday alone, three international flights received alarming bomb threat warnings. The following day, another 10 flights were similarly targeted, while Wednesday saw at least six additional cases of reported threats. These alerts, which were disseminated via social media platforms, necessitated swift responses from airport security teams who conducted meticulous inspections. In each instance, the threats were ultimately determined to be baseless.

As part of the investigation, central intelligence agencies quickly requested information from the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), asking for details about the accounts responsible for the threats. The platform was also asked to deactivate the accounts in question to curb further misuse. Preliminary findings revealed that the bomb threats had originated from three separate social media handles, two of which were traced back to IP addresses in London and Germany. It is believed that the perpetrators used virtual private networks (VPNs) to mask their actual locations, complicating the tracking process. Information on the third handle is still pending.

Authorities are continuing to work with X to obtain more specific data that could assist in pinpointing those behind the threats. The aim is to identify the individuals responsible and ensure they face legal consequences. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI Airport), Usha Rangnani, disclosed that seven reported bomb threats had been registered at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) this month alone. In each case, thorough security checks confirmed the threats to be hoaxes, prompting the initiation of legal proceedings against those involved. The authorities have invoked sections 217 and 351(4) of the Indian Penal Code, as well as section 3(1)(d) of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982, in their investigations. Legal action is being pursued not only to punish the offenders but also to deter future attempts to disrupt civil aviation operations through false threats.

Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) have indicated that they are considering introducing tougher regulations to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Measures under discussion include more stringent punishments, such as placing individuals found guilty of issuing hoax threats on no-fly lists that would bar them from boarding flights operated by Indian carriers.

The Indian government is also consulting with the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and the law ministry to explore anti-hoax legal frameworks in place in other countries. This could potentially inform amendments to existing laws, ensuring a robust deterrent is in place to safeguard the security of the nation’s airspace.