Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The Union Ministry of Electronics and IT has strongly criticized the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), holding it accountable for spreading bomb hoaxes that have plagued Indian airlines over the past few days. In a virtual meeting led by Joint Secretary Sanket S Bhondve with representatives from airlines and platforms like X and Meta, the Ministry accused X of “abetting crime” by allowing such threatening posts to circulate without adequate prevention.
The criticism comes in light of over 120 bomb threats targeting Indian airlines in the past week, with airlines like IndiGo, Vistara, and Air India reporting multiple threats. Standard security protocols were activated in response, causing significant disruptions and diversions of flights. Despite the hoaxes, the threats are being taken seriously for passenger safety.
Government Plans Legal Action
In a press briefing, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu assured the public that the government was working to tackle the issue effectively, with plans to introduce stringent legal measures against those responsible for spreading such threats. The government is considering amendments to the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, which currently focuses on in-flight offences. These changes will ensure that crimes committed while the aircraft is on the ground are also punishable under the law.
“We are making legal amendments and pushing forward with consultations from other ministries to address these offences comprehensively,” Mr. Naidu stated.
Investigations Underway
When asked whether there might be a broader conspiracy behind the barrage of bomb threats, Mr. Naidu stressed that a thorough investigation is underway, and conclusions would only be drawn once the inquiry is completed. “Let us wait for the completion of the investigation,” he said, adding that the government is in constant communication with law enforcement agencies to expedite the process.
Enhanced Security Measures
While the threats have been deemed hoaxes, Mr. Naidu reiterated that they are being treated with the utmost seriousness. Airports across the country have heightened security, increasing CCTV coverage and reinforcing checks at key points. “Even if they are hoax threats, we cannot compromise on safety and security,” he said.
The government has also introduced plans to punish those spreading false threats, including putting offenders on a no-fly list. “We will take strict action,” Mr. Naidu warned.
