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

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Nagpur Police Investigates Hoax Bomb Threats Linked to Gondia Man, Jagdish Uikey

In a major development, Nagpur police in Maharashtra have identified Jagdish Uikey, a 35-year-old man from Gondia, as the prime suspect behind a series of hoax bomb threats that caused widespread panic, flight delays, and heightened security at airports and other critical locations across India. Uikey, a self-proclaimed expert on terrorism, is known for having authored a book on the subject and was previously arrested in 2021 for similar offenses related to terrorism.

Investigation Unravels Connection to Multiple Threats

Uikey, who is currently on the run, reportedly sent several threatening emails to government officials, airline offices, and security forces across India, creating a climate of fear and forcing authorities to take swift action. The Nagpur police’s Special Branch, headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Shweta Khedkar, has uncovered significant evidence linking Uikey to the hoax threats. These threats primarily involved claims of bombs planted on various domestic and international flights operating in India, leading to increased security protocols at airports.

On October 21, Uikey sent an email to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, which subsequently led to heightened security at multiple railway stations across India. The following week, on October 28, the police were forced to ramp up security at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Nagpur after Uikey threatened to stage a protest unless given an opportunity to discuss a “secret terror code” he claimed to have deciphered.

Uikey also sent similar communications requesting a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding his supposed knowledge of terror threats, which further deepened the concerns surrounding his activities.

Airline Industry Disrupted by Threats

The series of hoax bomb threats, mainly transmitted via social media, have disrupted the aviation industry in India. Over the past 15 days, more than 410 domestic and international flights operated by Indian carriers received bomb threats, triggering delays, cancellations, and additional security checks. These false alarms have put tremendous pressure on security personnel and led to significant logistical challenges.

In response to the increasing frequency of these threats, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu has suggested that the government may impose a flying ban on individuals who issue such hoaxes. This would involve stringent measures to identify and prevent the perpetrators from boarding flights, ensuring greater safety and order in the air travel sector.

Authorities Confident of Apprehending the Suspect

The authorities have been working relentlessly to apprehend Uikey, who is believed to be in hiding. A special team has been set up to track him down, and law enforcement officials are confident that his arrest is imminent. Despite Uikey’s previous criminal history, investigators are now focused on piecing together his motivations behind issuing these hoax threats. There are suspicions that his actions may have been driven by a desire for attention, or possibly an attempt to cause panic and sow discord.

The Nagpur police continue to follow several leads, including examining Uikey’s past connections and the motivations behind his book on terrorism. Investigators are also looking into whether Uikey had any connections to extremist groups or if his threats were isolated incidents related to personal grievances or a warped sense of importance.

Broader Security Implications and Public Concern

These hoax bomb threats have raised broader concerns about the security of public infrastructure and the potential impact on national safety. While the threats have been deemed false, their frequency and timing have alarmed both security officials and the public. Increased scrutiny of social media platforms and cybersecurity measures is expected in the coming months, as officials seek to prevent similar hoaxes from happening in the future.

The Nagpur police and other law enforcement agencies are working in tandem with national security forces to tighten their grip on individuals involved in such activities, ensuring the safety and security of India’s transportation networks and governmental institutions. With investigations ongoing and Uikey’s capture seeming imminent, authorities are optimistic that this case will soon come to a close, helping to restore confidence in the security measures currently in place across the country.

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