Latest news with #AI379
News18
18-07-2025
- News18
Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai School Bomb Threats: How Can Prank Callers Be Punished? Explained
Last Updated: Bomb threats to Bengaluru and Delhi schools, flights, stadium: What happens when bomb threat to schools or airline is found to be hoax? Explaining the law on prank calls Bomb threats to Bengaluru and Delhi schools, flights & stadium: Over 40 schools in Bengaluru received bomb threat emails on Friday, causing panic. Over five consecutive days till July 18, 36 educational institutions in Delhi, including schools and college, have received bomb hoax calls. Swami Vivekananda International School in Mumbai's Kandivli received a bomb threat on Friday. What happens when a bomb threat is made to a public place or institution or airline? What happens when it is found to be a hoax? How does the law punish the caller? Schools, airlines, public places: How many bomb threat hoaxes were made in 2025? School bomb threats: A rough estimate suggests around 150 separate bomb threats were received at schools and colleges across multiple cities in 2025. From July 14-16, a total of 10 institutions — 9 schools and 1 college – in Delhi received bomb threat emails. By July 18, the number went up to 36 schools. In the last one month, more than half a dozen schools in Mumbai, Mira Road, Vasai and other neighbouring cities have received bomb threats. From June 23 to July 4, at least four private schools in Vadodara received bomb threat emails signed by a group calling itself 'Madras Tigers', citing political motives. Airline bomb threats: According to Bureau of Civil Aviation Security and government official data, 24 bomb hoax calls targeted 15 flights — IndiGo (7), Air India (4), Lufthansa (2), Malindo (1), American Airlines — till March 2025, compared to 728 in 2024. But there have been more cases recently. The Patna Airport on July 11 received a bomb threat email. Similar hoaxes were reported on June 4 and June Kanpur & Agra Airports, bomb threat emails on July 1 prompted full searches. At the Kolkata Airport, a pipe bomb threat email on June 17 targeting a public figure was declared a hoax after a two-hour search. Patna airport received at least 1 confirmed bomb threat email on July 11, with similar hoaxes reported on June 4 and June 29. Some prominent cases: Air India flight AI 119 (Mumbai to JFK) turned back over Azerbaijan mid-air following a bomb threat note found in an onboard toilet. After 8 hours, the aircraft landed safely in Mumbai; no device was found. AI 379 (Phuket to New Delhi) returned to Phuket after a threatening message was found in the lavatory shortly after takeoff. All 156 passengers evacuated safely; the threat was confirmed as a hoax. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (Hyderabad) received a bomb threat via email on May 9, 2025, indicating sleeper cell activity. No explosive found after search; operations continued normally. Authorities suspect the email was a hoax. On May 14, 2025, a note left in the lavatory of an Air India flight arriving from Kolkata triggered security checks; declared hoax after inspection. Public places, other institutions bomb threats: At least 60-75 public places, mainly in Jaipur, received bomb threats this year. Jaipur has received over 65 hoax emails aimed at stadiums, courts, hospitals, metro stations, and airports. Vijayawada LIC building and railway station received two bomb threat calls in 2025, prompting full security sweeps. In 2025, Mumbai witnessed at least six confirmed bomb hoax incidents across schools, public institutions, and transportation hubs. It included three schools, including one in Vile Parle and two in Kandivali. Public landmarks like Tata Memorial Hospital and the Bombay Stock Exchange were also targeted with bomb threats. A high-profile email in May warned of bombs at both Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. Between July 14-17, the Golden Temple in Amritsar received a series of at least five distinct bomb threat emails, warning of RDX bombs reportedly planted inside the shrine—specifically targeting the langar hall and community areas. Bomb threat probe In Delhi case, a 12-year-old student was later identified as the sender of the July 15 threats to St. Thomas and St. Stephen's. He was released following counselling under juvenile jurisdiction. A c yber expert in Ahmedabad was arrested for sending a barrage of hoax bomb emails targeting schools, stadiums, metro stations, hospitals, and courts across India, including Jaipur's SMS Stadium. She allegedly used spoofed email IDs, VPNs, and 80+ virtual mobile numbers. What happens when a bomb threat is received? DGCA (Airlines & Airports): Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) is formed immediately. Threats are classified as: Specific (credible): Full emergency response Non-specific: Monitored response DGCA's Bomb Threat Contingency Plan (BTCP) is followed by all Indian airports. Delhi Police SOP (Schools & Public Institutions): Evacuation, perimeter sealing, police verification. Post-incident review with cyber cell and local administration. What is the legal action taken after bomb hoax? A First Information Report (FIR) is registered under IPC, IT Act, Aircraft Act, depending on the location and threat mode. Cyber investigation starts (tracing IPs, emails, VPN usage, phone numbers). Those making bomb hoaxes can be booked under 1. Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 Section 505(1)(b) includes statements conducing to public mischief that causes fear or alarm to the public. Punishment: Up to 3 years imprisonment, or fine, or both. Section 182: False information with intent to cause public servant to use lawful power to the injury of another. Applicable when false info leads to unnecessary deployment of police or public authorities. Punishment: Up to 6 months or fine, or both. Section 336, 337, 338: Endangering life or personal safety of others. Used when actions (even hoaxes) cause panic, stampede, injury, etc. Punishment: Ranges from 3 months to 2 years depending on harm caused. Section 506 – Criminal intimidation. Includes threatening to cause death or injury (including via bombs). Punishment: Up to 7 years, fine, or both. Section 120B / 34: Criminal conspiracy or common intent. Added if more than one person is involved in planning the hoax. 2. The Aircraft Act, 1934 and Aircraft Rules, 1937 Section 11A – False threats regarding bombs on aircraft or airports Punishment: Up to 3 years, or Rs 10 lakh fine, or both. 3. The Anti-Hijacking Act, 2016 (only if threats are extreme and targeted) Section 3(1) – Even threats of hijacking or planting bombs may attract scrutiny under this act, though not always charged unless very severe. Punishment: Varies — in extreme cases may include life imprisonment or death if threat leads to actual loss of life. 4. Information Technology Act, 2000 Section 66D – Cheating by personation using computer resources. If hoax is sent via email, fake IP, VPN, etc. Punishment: Up to 3 years and/or fine up to Rs 1 lakh. Strict rules for airport bomb hoaxes As per DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) under Section 3 – Air Transport, a person making a false bomb threat can be: Put on the ' No-Fly List ' (under unruly passenger category). Banned from flying up to two years. Fined up to Rs 1 crore, especially if commercial operations are disrupted. Made to reimburse operational losses (delays, reroutes, emergency landings). What if the caller is a minor? Under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015: If under 18, they are tried by Juvenile Justice Board. If above 16 and crime is heinous or repeat in nature, the child can be tried as an adult. top videos View all In July 2025, a 12-year-old student in Delhi was found responsible for bomb hoax emails sent to schools and St. Stephen's College. Authorities handled the case via the Juvenile Justice Board. Counselling and guardian supervision were advised. In severe juvenile cases, rehabilitation and observation homes may be involved. With Agency Inputs About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ...Read More Get Latest Updates on Movies, Breaking News On India, World, Live Cricket Scores, And Stock Market Updates. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : bomb hoax bomb hoax call bomb hoax news news18 specials view comments Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 18, 2025, 12:39 IST News explainers Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai School Bomb Threats: How Can Prank Callers Be Punished? Explained Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
22-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Air India Dreamliner makes emergency landing in Riyadh after midair bomb threat, found to be a hoax
Air India confirmed the incident in an official statement: 'Flight AI114 from Birmingham to Delhi on June 21 received a bomb threat and was consequently diverted to Riyadh, where it landed safely and completed all necessary security checks. All passengers were deplaned and are being provided with hotel accommodation.' The airline expressed regret for the disruption caused. 'The inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption is sincerely regretted. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to their intended destinations,' it added. This marks the second hoax bomb threat received by Air India in just ten days. On June 13, flight AI 379 from Thailand to New Delhi, carrying 156 passengers, was forced to return to Phuket after a bomb threat note was discovered on the lavatory wall just 20 minutes into the flight. That aircraft, an Airbus A320, was also found to be safe after emergency procedures were followed.
India.com
22-06-2025
- India.com
Air India Flight From Birmingham To Delhi Diverted To Riyadh Due To This Reason...
New Delhi: An Air India flight from the UK's Birmingham to Delhi was diverted to Riyadh on Saturday night after a bomb threat was reported on board, the airline said on Sunday. The airline confirmed that flight AI114 landed safely in Riyadh, where security checks were carried out. According to flight tracking website Flightradar24, the aircraft took off from Birmingham at 8.26 p.m. and was en route to Delhi when it had to make the emergency diversion. Air India later issued a statement saying that all passengers were safe and efforts were underway to arrange their travel to their final destinations. "The inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption is sincerely regretted. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to their destinations,' a spokesperson for the airline said. The Tata Group-owned airline has recently taken steps to enhance safety measures following a tragic crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. As part of its response, Air India has introduced more rigorous pre-flight safety checks and temporarily reduced the number of flights to ensure smooth operations. The airline also explained that factors such as airspace restrictions in the Middle East, night curfews at airports in Europe and East Asia, and general air traffic congestion are contributing to delays and cancellations. This is not the first time Air India has faced such a situation recently. On June 13, another Air India flight, AI379, travelling from Thailand's Phuket to New Delhi had to return to Phuket shortly after takeoff due to a bomb threat. The plane, carrying 156 passengers, circled the Andaman Sea before safely landing back at Phuket International Airport. Thai airport authorities confirmed the emergency landing but did not share more details about the nature of the threat. Air India has not made a public statement about that incident.
Hans India
22-06-2025
- Hans India
Air India flight from Birmingham to Delhi diverted to Riyadh after bomb threat
An Air India flight from the UK's Birmingham to Delhi was diverted to Riyadh on Saturday night after a bomb threat was reported on board, the airline said on Sunday. The airline confirmed that flight AI114 landed safely in Riyadh, where security checks were carried out. According to flight tracking website Flightradar24, the aircraft took off from Birmingham at 8.26 p.m. and was en route to Delhi when it had to make the emergency diversion. Air India later issued a statement saying that all passengers were safe and efforts were underway to arrange their travel to their final destinations. "The inconvenience caused to our passengers due to this unforeseen disruption is sincerely regretted. Alternative arrangements are being made to fly the passengers to their destinations,' a spokesperson for the airline said. The Tata Group-owned airline has recently taken steps to enhance safety measures following a tragic crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. As part of its response, Air India has introduced more rigorous pre-flight safety checks and temporarily reduced the number of flights to ensure smooth operations. The airline also explained that factors such as airspace restrictions in the Middle East, night curfews at airports in Europe and East Asia, and general air traffic congestion are contributing to delays and cancellations. This is not the first time Air India has faced such a situation recently. On June 13, another Air India flight, AI379, travelling from Thailand's Phuket to New Delhi had to return to Phuket shortly after takeoff due to a bomb threat. The plane, carrying 156 passengers, circled the Andaman Sea before safely landing back at Phuket International Airport. Thai airport authorities confirmed the emergency landing but did not share more details about the nature of the threat. Air India has not made a public statement about that incident.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Turbulence in the skies: Air India diverts two flights due to tech glitches
Problems for Air India don't seem to be ending, as India's oldest airline had to divert two flights on Monday due to technical issues. The incidents occurred just four days after flight AI 171 crashed in Ahmedabad, killing 270 people, including former Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani. Two aircraft diverted on June 16 On June 16, Air India flight AI 315 from Hong Kong to Delhi turned back approximately 90 minutes after takeoff. Pilots detected a fault onboard and chose to return to Hong Kong International Airport. The aircraft was a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner — the same model that crashed on June 12. A few hours later, Delhi–Ranchi flight AI 9695 returned to the national capital after experiencing a mid-air technical issue. The aircraft had taken off from Indira Gandhi International Airport at 4:25 pm and was scheduled to land at Birsa Munda Airport at 6:20 pm. According to NDTV, the decision to return was made purely as a safety precaution. Earlier, on June 13, Air India flight AI 379 from Phuket to Delhi carrying 156 passengers was forced to return during its cruise phase due to a bomb threat. The aircraft landed safely, and security checks were conducted before passengers were cleared. These incidents are unfolding under increased technical scrutiny mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The regulator has enforced fleet-wide safety checks, particularly on Dreamliners, as a precautionary measure following the Ahmedabad crash. Geopolitical tensions impacting air routes In addition to technical setbacks, flight operations across several carriers — including Air India — have been impacted by the temporary closure of Iranian airspace. The move followed Israeli airstrikes on Iran beginning June 13, 2025. 'Due to the emerging situation in Iran and parts of the Middle East, the subsequent closure of airspace, and in view of the safety of our passengers, some of our flights are operating on alternative extended routes,' Air India stated on X. Long-haul services between India and North America or Europe — such as those bound for New York, London, Toronto, and Frankfurt — were either rerouted via cities like Vienna, Jeddah, Sharjah, or returned mid-air to their origin. Passengers have been advised to regularly monitor flight status amid ongoing disruptions. DGCA mandates Boeing 787 inspections Following the AI 171 crash, the DGCA has ordered a fleet-wide inspection of all Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft operated by Air India. These checks are being conducted proactively to ensure airworthiness and are not linked to confirmed mechanical failures. On June 15, a Delhi–Zurich flight was delayed to accommodate a mandatory inspection, even though no specific fault was identified. The move reflects heightened regulatory vigilance following the recent tragedy. Monsoon rains add to delays Heavy rainfall and waterlogging in Mumbai have caused additional delays in domestic and international flight operations. Several passengers took to X to report postponements and congestion at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. 'Heavy rainfall may impact flight operations to and from Mumbai,' Air India posted on X, advising travellers to check their flight status in advance.
