Hyderabad Airport Faces Hoax Bomb Threat via Email
In a concerning incident, the GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) has reported receiving a threatening email that claimed a Gulf Air flight arriving from Bahrain would be blown up. The email, sent on Wednesday, prompted immediate action from authorities, leading to a police complaint and a thorough investigation.
Details of the Threatening Email
At 10:01 am, an email was dispatched to the RGIA customer support address from the ID 'muppallakshmanrao@mail2tor.email'. The sender, using a mail2tor email service, identified themselves as part of the Tamil Liberation Organization (TLO) and alleged that operatives trained by the LTTE were on board Gulf Air flight GF-274. The message included unsubstantiated accusations against certain politicians from Tamil Nadu, adding a layer of complexity to the threat.
Police Response and Legal Action
Following a formal complaint by a GHIAL representative, the RGI Airport police swiftly registered a case. The charges include Sections 351(4) for criminal intimidation by anonymous communication and 353(2) for statements conducing to public mischief under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 66(D) of the Information Technology Act. This legal framework underscores the seriousness with which such threats are treated, especially in the context of cyber-enabled crimes.
Security Measures and Threat Assessment
The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) evaluated the email and classified it as a non-specific threat. In response, CISF personnel conducted comprehensive checks on the Gulf Air aircraft and its passengers upon arrival from Bahrain. No explosive materials were discovered during these inspections, leading officials to declare the threat a hoax. An RGI Airport official confirmed that the case will now be transferred to the cyber crime police station for further investigation to identify the perpetrator.
Background and Implications
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges airports face in managing security threats in the digital age. The use of anonymous email services like mail2tor complicates efforts to trace offenders, emphasizing the need for robust cyber crime units. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as hoax threats not only cause panic but also divert critical resources from genuine emergencies.
