Hoax Bomb Threat: Delhi Police Seek Social Media Account Details Of Offenders, Asks Platforms To Remove Posts

New Delhi: Intensifying its investigation into hoax bomb threats targeting several domestic and international flights, Delhi Police on Thursday reached out to social media platforms for details on accounts that posted these threatening messages. On Wednesday, the police registered an FIR concerning a bomb threat made against an Akasa Air flight bound for Bengaluru, which was carrying 180 passengers. They also launched enquiries into seven other similar cases reported at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport this month.A senior police officer revealed that a dedicated team has been established to investigate these bomb threat cases. The cyber cell of Delhi Police and the Intelligence Fusion & Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit have also been enlisted to assist in the investigation.On Wednesday, police approached social media platforms to suspend the handles responsible for posting the threats and to remove the associated posts."It is suspected that the handler used VPN (Virtual private network) or dark web browser to set up the accounts on X and then posted the messages from more than one account," the officer said."To get the IP addresses, we have written to the social media platform," the officer said, adding they have also contacted Mumbai Police as they have also registered an FIR in the matter.Deputy Commissioner of Police (IGI) Usha Rangnani on Wednesday said, "Airport police have responded to eight incidents involving reported bomb threats this month. After thorough verifications and inspections, all threats were confirmed to be hoaxes."Legal action has been initiated against those responsible for these false alarms so that strict measures are taken against them and to ensure the safety and security of passengers and airport operations, she said. (With PTI inputs)