Security agencies in India continue to face challenges in tracking down the perpetrators of recent hoax bomb threats made against multiple airlines. Over the last two weeks, Indian airlines have received more than 400 bomb hoax calls, causing heightened alert and disruption across airports. The threats, primarily sent through social media and anonymous online accounts, have led authorities to suspect that Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and possibly the dark web were used to conceal the origin of these communications. Despite assistance from cyber experts, officials have reached a “dead end” in tracing these threats, as attempts to pinpoint the IP addresses revealed connections to European locations but ultimately failed due to VPN masking techniques.
To counter the disruptions, Delhi Police has ramped up its investigation, coordinating with major social media platforms to suspend threatening accounts and retrieve user data. A senior official confirmed that social media giants were approached in an attempt to trace the accounts used to issue threats and ensure compliance with India’s IT regulations. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) also issued an advisory urging intermediaries to enforce the Information Technology Act and related digital media guidelines, emphasizing the platforms’ responsibility to curb the spread of such hoaxes, which impact both public order and economic stability. Additionally, a parliamentary committee has reviewed the issue, with the civil aviation secretary reporting on intensified efforts to apprehend those responsible.
As part of increased security, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has deployed Bomb Threat Assessment Committees (BTACs) at major airports, while police teams conduct regular screenings and verifications of flights reporting threats. Enhanced security protocols are also in place due to the Diwali festival season, which brings an uptick in travel across the country.
Recent disruptions included emergency landings and flight diversions, with eight flights rerouted after receiving bomb threats. The false alarms have not only delayed flights but also put significant strain on airport resources and staff, underscoring the urgent need for improved cyber tracking capabilities. The security agencies are now exploring the possibility of enacting stricter cyber regulations and possibly banning the use of VPNs or certain encrypted messaging services in cases that threaten national security.
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The government and airline authorities hope these measures will reduce the frequency of such incidents, which have not only alarmed passengers but also posed logistical challenges for airline operations.
