A wave of unsettling bomb threats swept across Gujarat and India on Saturday, sending authorities into a frenzy. In a shocking incident, at least ten hotels in Rajkot, Gujarat, received emails claiming to contain explosive devices, triggering an immediate response from local law enforcement. The emails, arriving around 12:45 pm, were sent by an individual identifying as “Kan Den,” who threatened to detonate explosives within hours. The ominous message stated: “I placed bombs in every location of your hotel. The bombs will go off in a few hours. Many innocent lives will be lost today. Hurry up and evacuate the hotel.”
Responding swiftly, police launched a comprehensive search operation that lasted nearly five hours, concluding around 6 PM. Despite the intense scrutiny, authorities confirmed that no suspicious items were discovered. Inspector SM Jadeja of the Special Operations Group (SOG) stated, “However, nothing suspicious was found after a search operation that lasted nearly five hours.” An investigation is underway to trace the origin of the threat.
The unsettling incident in Gujarat was mirrored across the nation as 33 flights received bomb threats on the same day, according to PTI reports. The threats, seemingly targeting IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara airlines, affected a total of 11 flights each. This incident further underscores a troubling trend: over the past 13 days, more than 300 flights operated by Indian carriers have received hoax bomb threats, many disseminated through social media platforms.
In response to this growing wave of misinformation, the IT Ministry has issued an advisory to social media platforms, demanding they exercise due diligence and promptly remove or disable access to such content. The Ministry emphasized that social media intermediaries are obligated to adhere to strict timelines prescribed under IT rules when addressing misinformation.
The advisory further underscores the legal ramifications of inaction. Social media platforms are subject to additional liability under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS), mandating them to report offenses perceived to be committed by any user, particularly those threatening India’s unity, integrity, sovereignty, or security. The Government reminded social media platforms of their obligation to provide information under their control or possession and assist investigative agencies within a 72-hour time frame.
The recent spate of bomb threats, while ultimately determined to be hoaxes, highlights the urgent need for vigilance and swift action to combat misinformation and ensure public safety. Authorities are working tirelessly to investigate the origins of these threats and hold those responsible accountable. Social media platforms, as vital channels of communication, must actively play their part in preventing the spread of harmful misinformation that could incite panic and jeopardize public safety.