• Source:JND
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Bomb Threats In India: Over 40 private schools in Karnataka's Bengaluru received bomb threat messages via email on Friday morning. In Delhi too, several schools received bomb threats on Friday following which the Fire Department and Delhi Police personnel were deployed outside the premises. The schools included Richmond Global School in Paschim Vihar, the Sovereign School in Rohini Sector 24, Modern International School in Dwarka Sector 19 and the Heritage School in Rohini Sector 23. This comes after nearly 10 schools and one college in the national capital received bomb threats via email over the last three days, prompting police action and temporary closures.

A call targeting a Mumbai-Ahmedabad flight and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport was received at the office of the Navi Mumbai Joint Commissioner of Police. The threatening calls were made between 2 pm and 2:30 pm on July 16, prompting an urgent response from security agencies and the registration of an FIR.

What Actions Can Be Taken When A Bomb Threat Is Received?

-For Schools And Public Institutions: The Delhi Police SOP

The step by step procedure includes evacuation, then perimeter sealing and finally police verification.

A First Information Report (FIR) is registered under IPC, IT Act, Aircraft Act, as part of the legal action. This FIR is done analysing the location and threat mode. Apart from this, cyber investigation is initiated by tracing IPs, emails, VPN usage, phone numbers.

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People can be booked under THESE:

-Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860

Section 505(1)(b) includes statements conducing to public mischief that causes fear or alarm to the public. Punishment up to 3 years imprisonment or fine, or both.

Section 336, 337, 338: Endangering life or personal safety of others. Used when actions (even hoaxes) cause panic, stampede, injury, etc. Punishment can go from 3 months to 2 years.

Section 182: False information with intent to cause a public servant to use lawful power to the injury of another. Applicable when false info leads to unnecessary deployment of police or public authorities. Punishment up to 6 months or fine, or both.

Section 120B / 34: Criminal conspiracy or common intent. Used when more than one person is involved in the hoax call.

Section 506 - This involves threatening to cause death or injury. Punishment up to 7 years, fine, or both.

-The Aircraft Act, 1934 and Aircraft Rules, 1937

Section 11A - Fake calls fot bombs on aircraft or airports. Punishment up to 3 years, or Rs 10 lakh fine, or both.

-Information Technology Act, 2000

Section 66D - If a hoax is sent via email, fake IP, VPN, etc (computer resources) Punishment up to 3 years and/or fine up to Rs 1 lakh.

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-For Airlines And Airports

After receiving a bomb threat, a Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC)

Threats are categorised into:

Specific (credible): Full emergency response

Non-specific: Monitored response

All Indian airports follow DGCA’s Bomb Threat Contingency Plan (BTCP).

According to DGCA, an individual making a hoax threat can be:

-Placed in the ‘No-Fly List‘

-Asked to reimburse operational losses

-Fined up to Rs 1 crore, especially if commercial operations are disrupted.

-Banned from flying for up to 2 years

-What If The Caller Is A Minor?

Under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015:

The person is tried by the Juvenile Justice Board if under 18 years of age.

The person can be tried as an adult if above 16 years of age and crime is heinous or repeat in nature.

(With Agency Inputs)