Nagpur police identify suspect behind multiple airline bomb threats; man currently on the run

You are currently viewing Nagpur police identify suspect behind multiple airline bomb threats; man currently on the run

Nagpur police in Maharashtra have identified a 35-year-old man from Gondia as the suspect behind a series of hoax bomb threats that caused widespread panic, led to flight delays, and heightened security at airports and other locations. The man, Jagdish Uikey, is known for writing a book on terrorism and was previously arrested in 2021 for related offenses.

Uikey is currently on the run after investigators traced the threatening emails back to him. The police’s Special Branch, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shweta Khedkar, uncovered significant evidence linking Uikey to the communications.

He reportedly sent emails to various government officials, including the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Railway Minister, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, airline offices, and security forces. Notably, one email sent on October 21 to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw triggered increased security measures at railway stations.

On October 28, the Nagpur police heightened security outside Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s residence after Uikey threatened to protest unless given an opportunity to present information on a secret terror code he claimed to have deciphered. He also requested a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding his knowledge of terror threats.

In the past 15 days, over 410 domestic and international flights operated by Indian carriers have received hoax bomb threats, primarily communicated through social media. In response, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu indicated that the government is considering measures to ban those who issue such threats from flying. A special team has been formed to apprehend Uikey, and authorities are confident he will be caught soon.

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