The Tamil Nadu Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested a U.S.-based Indian software engineer at Chennai International Airport for allegedly sending a series of hoax bomb threat emails to targets across India. According to investigators, the accused sent emails between 2023 and 2025 claiming explosives had been planted at airports, educational institutions, government offices, public officials’ premises and several other high-profile locations, triggering extensive security operations and disrupting normal public activities in multiple states.
The accused has been identified as Sarath Subramanian Shankar, a native of Ambasamudram in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district. He had been living in Austin, Texas, where he was employed by a software company. Officials said he was detained immediately after arriving in India at Chennai International Airport and was formally arrested following questioning.
Investigators believe the accused sent multiple bomb threat emails on different occasions, prompting authorities to launch emergency security responses. Bomb disposal squads, police teams and other security agencies conducted large-scale searches at several locations after receiving the threats. While each incident ultimately turned out to be a hoax, the warnings led to heightened security measures and, in some cases, affected flight operations and other public activities.
As part of the investigation, authorities are examining the digital methods allegedly used to send the emails, including email accounts, internet services and other online platforms. Investigators are also analysing the accused’s electronic devices, online activity and digital records to determine whether he acted alone or had assistance from any individual or organised group.
Officials said investigators identified the suspect after analysing the pattern of hoax emails and linking multiple cases registered across different states. Once they learned that he was travelling to India, surveillance was intensified, leading to his arrest at Chennai International Airport. He is now being questioned to establish the motive behind the alleged threats and to determine his role in each of the reported incidents.
Cybersecurity experts say hoax bomb threats are not merely a law-and-order issue but also place a significant burden on emergency response systems. Every threat must be treated as credible until verified, requiring the deployment of police personnel, bomb disposal units, fire services and other emergency agencies. Such operations consume substantial public resources and often cause inconvenience to citizens.
Experts associated with the Future Crime Research Foundation said digitally transmitted hoax threats have become an increasingly serious form of cyber-enabled crime. Investigations into such cases rely heavily on digital evidence, including email headers, IP logs, device forensics, cloud records and other electronic traces. Because cyber activities frequently cross international borders, investigators may also need to coordinate with law enforcement agencies in other countries.
The Tamil Nadu ATS is continuing its investigation to determine the full extent of the accused’s alleged involvement in the series of hoax bomb threats sent across India between 2023 and 2025. Further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.
