Indian Government to Crack Down on Hoax Airline Bomb Threats
The Indian government is taking decisive action to address the recent surge in hoax airline bomb threats that have disrupted air travel in the country. Over 170 flights operated by Indian carriers have been targeted in a little over a week, with 80 threats occurring in just one night, causing significant inconvenience and financial losses.
To combat this issue, India’s Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu has announced plans to introduce new legislation. The proposed laws would establish a no-fly list for offenders and amend existing aviation acts to allow for immediate arrest and investigation of perpetrators without a court order.
While most hoaxers remain unidentified, one arrest has been made involving a 17-year-old boy from Chhattisgarh state. Minister Naidu has emphasized that the threats are linked to minors and pranksters, calling the situation “very sensitive” and warranting strict action.
The government’s response comes amid celebrations for the “UDAN” Regional Connectivity Scheme, highlighting the importance of safe and efficient air travel in connecting remote areas across the country.