41 AIRPORTS GO INTO A TIZZY AFTER RECEIVING BOMB THREAT BY EMAIL

Why in the news?

There is surge of bomb threat emails received by 41 airports in India, highlighting the response measures taken by security agencies, the identification of these threats as hoaxes, and ongoing efforts to address and prevent such incidents.

Source- TH

About the News :

  • Bomb Threat Emails: 41 airports across India received bomb threat emails.Emails were later identified as hoaxes.
  • BCAS Statement:Zulfiqar Hasan, Director-General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), reported an increase in threats over the past two-and-a-half months.
  • BCAS proposed a five-year flying ban for hoax callers to the Civil Aviation Ministry.
  • Threat Origins and Actions:Threats received through calls, notes in aircraft lavatories, and emails.Six individuals arrested by local police.
  • Ongoing investigations and handwriting analysis for notes.
  • Specific Incident Details:41 Airport Directors received bomb threat emails at 12:40 PM from the email ID [email protected].
  • Email content: “There are explosives hidden in the airport. The bombs will soon explode. You will all die.”
  • Threat attributed to a group called “KNR,” previously linked to threats in Delhi schools.
  • Responses and Measures:Bomb threat assessment committees at airports declared the threats as non-specific or hoaxes.
  • Enhanced security at affected airports, including Chennai, Coimbatore, Patna, Jaipur, and Vadodara.
  • BCAS in dialogue with airlines to trace culprits and minimize passenger inconvenience during such threats.
  • Security Measures:Extensive searches conducted by CISF personnel and Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads.
  • Continuous monitoring and investigation efforts by security agencies.
About Bureau of Civil Aviation :

  • The BCAS is the regulatory authority in India responsible for ensuring aviation security. It establishes standards and procedures to protect civil aviation operations against acts of unlawful interference.
  • Regulations and Compliance:BCAS issues guidelines, circulars, and orders to airport operators, airlines, and other stakeholders, ensuring compliance with national and international aviation security regulations. It oversees the implementation of security measures at airports.
  • Training and Certification:The bureau conducts regular training programs for security personnel, including airport security staff, airline security officers, and other relevant stakeholders. It certifies individuals and organizations involved in aviation security.