Sun Oct 27 16:08:53 UTC 2024: ## India Cracks Down on Hoax Bomb Threats Targeting Airlines

**New Delhi:** Indian authorities are taking a firm stance against the alarming surge in hoax bomb threats targeting domestic airlines. Over the past two weeks, over 350 flights have been affected by these threats, most of which were issued via social media.

On Sunday alone, at least 50 flights operated by Indian carriers received bomb threats. Akasa Air reported 15 of its flights receiving security alerts, IndiGo had 18, and Vistara faced threats on 17 flights.

In response to this escalating crisis, Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced that the government is considering measures to ban individuals responsible for issuing hoax bomb threats from flying. “We are also taking the support of international agencies, law enforcement agencies, and the Intelligence Bureau to prevent these,” he stated. “We are planning to bring changes to two civil aviation laws. Those who resort to these kinds of activities will be punished severely and imposed a penalty.”

The IT Ministry has also taken action, directing social media platforms to promptly remove false information and uphold diligence in line with IT rules. Authorities have begun identifying individuals behind these hoaxes and have requested data from platforms like Meta and X to aid in the investigation.

The government’s strong response comes after a series of incidents, including the recent apprehension of a 25-year-old youth in Delhi who confessed to sending bomb threats to airlines “to draw attention.” While details about the locations and identities of other individuals responsible for the hoax threats have not been disclosed, authorities confirm that they have been traced.

This decisive action by the government aims to deter future threats and ensure the safety and security of passengers and air travel in India.

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