Hoax bomb threats to flights: Teenage boy, father under investigation for targeting Mumbai planes

NEW DELHI: The Mumbai police have issued notices to a teenage boy, his father, and another person from Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh as part of an investigation into bomb threats that disrupted three international flights on Monday.

The threats were posted on social media, specifically on the platform X, leading to significant security measures at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. According to officials, an Air India flight bound for New York was diverted to New Delhi, while two IndiGo flights heading to Muscat and Jeddah experienced hours of delay as they were moved to isolation bays for thorough security checks.

“On Monday, a bomb threat was posted on X for an Air India's Mumbai-New York flight and IndiGo's Mumbai to Muscat and Mumbai to Jeddah flights,” confirmed Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg. Fortunately, nothing suspicious was found on any of the aircraft, allowing them to eventually continue their journeys.

The investigation was triggered by the bomb threat, which prompted an immediate response from law enforcement. "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," Garg explained.

A team from the Mumbai police traveled to Rajnandgaon on the same day, collaborating with local authorities to issue notices to the individuals involved. “We summoned a 17-year-old boy, who is a resident of the city, his father, and the person whose X account was used for questioning and further action in Mumbai,” the official added.

The Mumbai police have since registered a case against an unidentified person linked to the threatening post. As investigations continue, officials are emphasizing the seriousness of such threats and their potential implications for aviation security.

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