Fri Oct 18 14:03:56 UTC 2024: ## India to Crack Down on Hoax Bomb Threats: No-Fly List and Stringent Penalties

**New Delhi** – The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is set to implement stricter punishments for individuals making hoax bomb threats to airlines following a recent surge in such incidents. Over the past 48 hours, more than 20 flights operated by various Indian airlines, including international flights, received bomb threats, causing significant disruption and delays.

While most of these threats have been found to be false, the ministry is taking a firm stance, citing the immense inconvenience and security concerns caused by these actions.

“The Ministry is considering placing perpetrators of hoax bomb threats on the no-fly list,” a senior MoCA official confirmed to PTI. “We are also seeking legal opinions to amend existing rules and introduce stronger penalties for such behavior.”

The MoCA is examining similar measures taken by other countries to address this issue and exploring legislative amendments to deter future threats. Currently, the existing regulations primarily address unruly passenger behaviour onboard flights and do not specifically address external threats like hoax bomb threats.

The ministry is actively engaging with the Home and Law Ministries to gather insights on the recent incidents and formulate effective solutions.

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu emphasized that law enforcement agencies are vigorously pursuing all cases of bomb threats and the government is closely monitoring the situation.

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