Flight Bomb Threats: Teenager boy in Chhattisgarh may be behind spate of mid-air scares in India

Mumbai Police have issued notices to a 17-year-old boy, his father, and a third individual from Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, in connection with bomb threats that caused disruptions to three international flights on Monday, a TOI report stated.

The threats, posted on social media platform X, triggered a significant security response at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. As a result, an Air India flight to New York was diverted to New Delhi, while two IndiGo flights bound for Muscat and Jeddah were delayed for several hours. The IndiGo flights were moved to isolation bays for thorough security checks.

Flight Bomb Threats: Details of the Incident

“On Monday, a bomb threat was posted on X for an Air India Mumbai-New York flight and IndiGo’s Mumbai to Muscat and Mumbai to Jeddah flights,” confirmed Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police, Mohit Garg. All three aircraft were cleared after extensive security checks, and no suspicious items were found, allowing the flights to resume their journeys.

Investigation and Action

Following the bomb threats, law enforcement agencies swiftly responded. "After receiving information about the tweet's connection with Rajnandgaon, Raipur Cyber Cell, and Rajnandgaon's Kotwali Police and Cyber Cell collected electronic data related to the case," explained Garg. The Mumbai police, working with local authorities, issued notices to those involved.

Police Issue Notice to father-son for hoax Flight Bomb Threats

A team from the Mumbai police traveled to Rajnandgaon the same day. They collaborated with local law enforcement and summoned a 17-year-old boy, his father, and the person whose X account was used to make the threats. The individuals have been called for questioning, and further legal action will take place in Mumbai.

Ongoing Investigation

The Mumbai police have registered a case against an unidentified person in connection with the bomb threat post. Authorities have stressed the gravity of such threats and the potential risk they pose to aviation security. Investigations are ongoing as law enforcement agencies work to prevent future incidents of this nature.