In a shocking development, the Nagpur City Police have unraveled the mystery behind a series of hoax bomb threats that have plagued India in recent weeks. The culprit, identified as 35-year-old Jagdish Uikey, is an author who previously penned a book on terrorism and was arrested in 2021 in a related case.
Uikey, now a fugitive, is believed to be the mastermind behind a barrage of emails sent to various government agencies, including the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Railway Minister, the Maharashtra Chief Minister, and even airline offices. These emails, which threatened bomb attacks, caused widespread panic and led to enhanced security measures at airports and railway stations across the country.
The police investigation, spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shweta Khedkar, revealed that Uikey’s motive was shrouded in mystery. He sent an email to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, threatening to protest unless he was given a chance to present his findings about a secret terror code he claims to have deciphered. This email, which was also forwarded to the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Railway Protection Force (RPF), prompted immediate security measures at railway stations.
Uikey even requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating he possessed crucial information about impending terror threats. He also targeted Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis, threatening to protest outside his residence if his demands were not met.
The scale of Uikey’s actions is staggering. Over a period of 13 days, starting from October 21st, more than 300 flights operated by Indian carriers received hoax bomb threats, causing significant disruptions to air travel. On October 22nd alone, around 50 flights, including 13 each from IndiGo and Air India, were targeted. While most of these threats were disseminated through social media, Uikey’s use of email added another layer of complexity to the investigation.
The Nagpur police have formed a special team dedicated to apprehending Uikey and bringing him to justice. The city is on high alert, with security forces working tirelessly to ensure the safety of its citizens and prevent any further disruptions.
This case highlights the critical importance of cybersecurity and the need to protect against malicious actors seeking to spread fear and disrupt daily life. The authorities are actively working to ensure that such incidents are swiftly investigated and dealt with, while also emphasizing the importance of public cooperation and vigilance in maintaining safety and security.
