Chhattisgarh teen detained for hoax bomb threat on Mumbai-New York Air India flight

Mumbai police have detained a 17-year-old boy from Chhattisgarh who is suspected of issuing a bomb threat to an Air India flight via social media, as reported by PTI. The flight, traveling from Mumbai to New York, was diverted to Delhi on Monday night.

Initial investigations revealed that the boy, hailing from Rajnandgaon district, allegedly created a fake profile on X and posted the bomb threat. He then contacted Mumbai's air traffic control. Mumbai police traced the threat to a mobile phone located in Rajnandgaon, which led them to the minor.

Rajnandgaon police supported Mumbai police in the investigation. It was found that the boy had hacked the X handle of Fazaluddin, a resident of the same district, to tweet the threat. Consequently, the flight made an emergency landing in Delhi and all passengers were safely deboarded.

"On Monday, a bomb threat was posted on X for an Air India's Mumbai-New York flight and IndiGo's Mumbai to Muscat and Mumbai to Jeddah flights," said Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police Mohit Garg.

After receiving information about the tweet's connection with Rajnandgaon, Raipur Cyber Cell, Kotwali Police Rajnandgaon, and Cyber Cell, collected electronic data related to the case, he said.

"A team of Mumbai Police reached Rajnandgaon on Monday. With the help of Rajnandgaon Police, a notice was issued to a 17-year-old boy, who is a resident of Rajnandgaon city, his father, and the person whose X account was used, They were summoned for questioning and further action to Mumbai," Garg added.

The boy, known for his information technology skills, had previously been involved in hacking accounts, including that of a local journalist. He had also issued a fake bomb threat for a train, resulting in a past case against him. Police mentioned, "He is known for sounding fake alarms over unreal matters."

The minor and Fazaluddin reportedly have a history of financial disputes. The boy had previously accused Fazaluddin under the POCSO Act.

Police have seized his laptop, electronic devices, and car. The boy, along with his father, has been taken to Mumbai for further investigation. The probe will continue in Maharashtra.