Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 29: A 58-year-old man was arrested after allegedly creating panic with a false bomb threat at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, police said on Sunday.

The accused, identified as Shanti Kothari, was stopped by immigration officials while attempting to board a Mumbai–Delhi flight. According to authorities, he began shouting that a bomb had been planted on a Mumbai–Ghaziabad flight, triggering chaos among passengers and airport staff.

Following the incident, the Sahar Police registered a case against him under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions related to causing public alarm and obstructing officials. Investigators are now examining his background for further details.

As per the FIR, Kothari, a resident of Sakinaka, allegedly made alarming statements near the boarding gate, warning passengers not to board a particular flight by claiming it was carrying a bomb. His remarks caused immediate concern, prompting airline staff to alert airport security, including CISF personnel.

An airline staff member, who filed the complaint, stated that the incident occurred during routine boarding procedures at Gate No. 51 for a Mumbai–Delhi flight, where Kothari suddenly began shouting provocative warnings, disrupting operations.

Officials confirmed that security agencies responded swiftly, and standard safety protocols were followed. No explosives were found, and the threat was later declared a hoax.

The incident comes amid a series of similar false bomb threats reported across the country in recent times. Earlier, the Gujarat Legislative Assembly was placed on high alert following an anonymous email warning of explosions at key locations. The session was suspended, and all occupants were evacuated as a precaution.

Additionally, institutions such as the Gujarat High Court and several district courts in cities including Rajkot, Vadodara, Valsad, Gandhinagar, and Mehsana also received threat emails. These incidents led to evacuations and extensive searches by bomb squads, though no suspicious materials were found.

Authorities have also reported repeated hoax bomb threats targeting schools in Delhi, highlighting a growing concern over misuse of such threats to create panic.