Nagpur: A spate of hoax bomb threats targeting the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport and court premises in Nagpur has triggered major security operations in recent weeks, disrupting flight schedules and temporarily halting judicial proceedings across the city.
According to police sources, the airport, which falls under Sonegaon Police Station limits, has received four bomb threat emails in recent weeks. Similarly, court premises under Sadar Police Station jurisdiction have received two such threats, prompting evacuations and detailed security sweeps. A separate bomb threat was also sent to the Passport Office in the Mankapur area, leading to additional security checks.
Officials confirmed that the Nagpur Police Cyber Cell is investigating at least four cases linked to these hoax emails to trace their origin and identify those responsible.
Airport authorities stated that even a single bomb threat significantly impacts aviation operations. If a threat is received while an aircraft is airborne, it must divert to the nearest airport as a precaution. After landing, passengers are deboarded and the aircraft, baggage, cargo and catering supplies undergo thorough checks by security agencies.
The process can take several hours, often causing cascading delays. Flight duty time limitations may prevent the same crew from continuing the journey, forcing airlines to arrange replacement crew, further disrupting schedules.
The threats have also impacted court functioning in Nagpur. Each time a threat is received, the premises are evacuated and searched by the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), leading to suspension of regular court proceedings until clearance is given.
Joint Commissioner of Police Naveenchandra Reddy said investigations are progressing. “Such threats are typically issued by mischief-makers or mentally unstable individuals, sometimes using the dark web. We have developed certain leads and expect to trace the accused soon,” he said.
Police have warned that strict legal action will be taken against those involved, emphasising that hoax bomb threats create panic and severely disrupt essential public services and aviation operations.
