In a startling turn of events, the Mumbai International Airport has become the target of a chilling threat, as revealed by the city’s police. A menacing email, received on Thursday, warned of an impending explosion at Terminal 2 unless a hefty ransom of $1 million in Bitcoin is paid within 48 hours. The Mumbai Police have swiftly initiated investigations into this alarming situation.
The sender, operating under the email address quaidacasrol@gmail.com, delivered a stark message to the Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) feedback inbox. The threat explicitly stated, “This is a final warning to your airport. We will blast Terminal 2 within 48 hours unless one million dollars in Bitcoin are transferred to the address. Another alert will be after 24 Hrs.”
Legal Action Taken:
Responding promptly, the Sahar police registered a case against the unknown individual responsible for the threatening email. The case has been filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 385 (causing fear or alarm for extortion purposes) and 505 (1) (b) (making statements with an intent to cause fear and alarm for extortion purposes).
Airport Official’s Account:
Vismay Pathak, an executive at Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), recounted his discovery of the threat. “I was at the quality and customer care centre in the airport when I came across the threat mail. The threat mail claimed to blow up the airport within 48 hours if the ransom was not paid,” Pathak disclosed.
Police Investigation:
The Mumbai Police, equipped with the crucial information gathered from the threatening email, has already traced the internet protocol (IP) address linked to the sender. This crucial lead serves as a pivotal point for the ongoing joint investigation by law enforcement and airport authorities.
Historical Context:
This incident follows a previous security scare in August when the Mumbai airport received a hoax bomb threat via a phone call. Despite extensive searches, no explosive devices were found, highlighting the challenges faced by airport security in handling such situations.
Conclusion:
As the investigation unfolds, the Mumbai International Airport remains under heightened scrutiny, emphasizing the critical role of cybersecurity and law enforcement in ensuring the safety of public spaces. The collaboration between the police and airport authorities is pivotal in swiftly addressing the threat and safeguarding the airport and its visitors from potential harm.