Bomb Threat on Indigo Flight: Passengers Evacuate via Emergency Exits, No Explosives Discovered
On Tuesday morning, before takeoff, a tissue paper with the word “bomb” written on it was found on Indigo flight 6E2211 from Delhi to Varanasi. This raised concerns of a potential threat. The crew immediately activated emergency protocols, evacuating all passengers through the emergency exits, with some even walking out on the aircraft’s wings.
The Quick Response Team (QRT) and bomb disposal squad were summoned to Delhi Airport. After thoroughly inspecting the aircraft, authorities found nothing suspicious. The tissue paper was discovered in a washroom, and the incident was reported at 5:35 AM. Investigations are currently ongoing.
This incident marks the eighth bomb threat in the past 28 days, involving airports, schools, and hospitals. Earlier, on May 23, Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi received a bomb threat, and prior to that, the Ministry of Home Affairs was also threatened with a bomb. All these threats turned out to be hoaxes.
Recent Wave of Fake Bomb Threats in May
This month has seen a surge in fake bomb threats across various locations, creating widespread panic and disruptions. Here are the key incidents:
1st May: Bomb Threats to Delhi-NCR Schools
On 1st May, an email claimed that bombs were planted in over 100 schools in the Delhi-NCR region. Police later declared the threats false. Prior to this, on 12th May, Delhi Airport, 20 hospitals, and the office of the Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway received bomb threats. Similarly, on 30th April, Chacha Nehru Hospital in Delhi was threatened with a bomb.
6th May: Ahmedabad Schools Targeted
On 6th May, 23 schools in Ahmedabad received bomb threats, causing panic among students and parents. Bomb disposal squads and police officers investigated the schools. The email, sent under the name “Tawhid Warriors,” claimed jihadists were ready to attack and establish Sharia law in Gujarat.
12th May: Threats to 13 Airports
An email on 12th May threatened to bomb 13 airports, including Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Jammu, Lucknow, Patna, Agartala, Aurangabad, Bagdogra, Bhopal, and Calicut. The email warned of imminent blasts, prompting airport administrations and security personnel to conduct thorough inspections, though nothing suspicious was found.
13th May: Bomb Threats to Lucknow Schools
On 13th May, four schools in Lucknow, including Vibgyor, St. Mary, PGI in Gomtinagar, and LPS School in Alambagh, received bomb threats. The schools were immediately evacuated, and children were sent home. DCP East stated that investigations were conducted, but no suspicious items were found. All threats came from the same email ID, and cyber experts, ATS, and police are investigating, with assistance sought from the NIA.
13th May: Threats to Jaipur Schools
On the same day, 56 schools in Jaipur received bomb threats via email early in the morning, leading to evacuations. Jaipur Police Commissioner Biju George Joseph reported that the emails were sent around 4 AM to all school principals. Cyber teams are working on the case, but no explosives were found during inspections.
15th May: Kanpur Schools Threatened
On 15th May, seven schools in Kanpur received bomb threats. Police, bomb disposal squads, and dog squads quickly responded. The presence of police caused panic among students, with some crying and others being taken home immediately. School management declared a holiday.
22nd May: Threats to Home and Finance Ministries
Delhi’s Home and Finance Ministries received bomb threats. The Delhi Fire Service reported that a bomb threat email was sent to the police control room in North Block. Two fire engines and a bomb squad were dispatched, but nothing suspicious was found.
23rd May: Lady Shri Ram College Bomb Threat
Lady Shri Ram College of Delhi University received a bomb threat. Following a call about a potential explosion, two fire engines and a bomb squad were dispatched, but no suspicious items were discovered.
