Panic gripped Ahmedabad’s premier international airport after a bomb threat email surfaced Wednesday morning, forcing authorities into overdrive. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) became the focal point of a rapid security mobilization.
The provocative email, timestamped 11:05 AM from ‘Amber Durham’, targeted the airport explicitly. It mixed explosive warnings with political rhetoric, claiming Sikhs aren’t Hindus and labeling top leaders as foes of Khalistan, threatening severe repercussions unless demands were met.
Airport officials wasted no time. A complaint was lodged at the airport police station, escalating security measures instantly. The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee met urgently at 11:20 AM for a thorough 30-minute review, categorizing it as non-specific yet treating it with utmost seriousness.
Comprehensive searches ensued across terminals, luggage zones, and the entire campus. Security Duty Manager Ravikant Bhardwaj spearheaded the FIR under cyber laws and intimidation clauses. Investigators, aided by the cyber cell, are hunting the perpetrator.
Just days earlier, on January 23, a wave of similar emails hit at least 20 local schools, prompting evacuations and checks that yielded nothing. These recurring hoaxes highlight vulnerabilities in digital communication exploited by mischief-makers.
Despite the disruption, flights operated without hitches, showcasing the resilience of India’s aviation security framework. Experts call for advanced AI-driven threat detection to counter such evolving dangers, ensuring airports remain safe havens for millions.
