Air India flights on high alert after fresh bomb threats

 

In a troubling escalation of airline security threats, 32 Air India flights received bomb threats on Tuesday, following a series of hoax threats directed at commercial airlines across the country.

This alarming development comes just one day after seven flights operated by India-based carriers were targeted with similar threats through social media.

The recent surge in these threats has prompted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to intensify its security measures nationwide. Over the past two weeks, security agencies have reported more than 400 hoax calls, raising significant alarms regarding passenger safety and national security.

To tackle the escalating situation, the NIA's cyber wing has initiated a comprehensive analysis of these foreign threat calls. Investigators are focused on discerning the underlying motives and assessing the authenticity of these claims, which have sparked widespread concern among both authorities and the public.

In response to the growing crisis, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) issued an advisory last week to all social media platforms.

The directive mandates compliance with the provisions of the Information Technology (IT) Rules and the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), requiring platforms to make "reasonable efforts" to promptly remove any posts related to bomb threats. Failure to comply could result in legal liability for the platforms involved.

Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as security agencies continue to enhance their preparedness against these threats.