New Delhi/Ghaziabad: Delhi Police have arrested a Ghaziabad-based man for allegedly sending a series of fake bomb threat emails to several premier national institutions, including the National Investigation Agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and an Air India flight operating from New Delhi to New York.
Hoax Threats Trigger Alerts
Officials said the threatening emails were sent on June 29 and claimed that bombs had been planted at multiple high-security locations, including the headquarters of NIA, ISRO, NPCIL, DRDO and the Civil Aviation Ministry.
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A separate email also claimed that an Air India international flight was under threat, prompting immediate security alerts and emergency protocols across agencies.
Following the alerts, coordinated searches were conducted at all identified locations. Security agencies carried out detailed inspections, but no explosive devices or suspicious materials were found.
Email Trail Leads To Ghaziabad
Given the seriousness of the matter, Delhi Police initiated a cyber and forensic investigation. Investigators analysed the email accounts used to send the threats and traced digital footprints associated with the messages.
Technical analysis of the email trail and related data led police to a mobile number linked to the accounts used in the communication.
Acting on surveillance inputs, police traced the suspect to Sanyog Nagar in Ghaziabad on June 30. A team reached the location, questioned the individual and identified him as Nishant Tyagi. He was taken into custody and later arrested after preliminary verification.
Digital Evidence Under Probe
Police said the accused had studied through open schooling and had enrolled in a bachelor’s degree programme in 2010, though he did not complete it. During preliminary inquiry, the family reportedly informed investigators that he had been undergoing treatment for a mental health condition since 2008. This aspect is also being examined.
Authorities conducted searches at the accused’s residence and other linked locations, but no explosives, weapons or incriminating materials were recovered.
Investigators are now working to determine the motive behind the emails and whether any other person or network was involved.
A researcher from Algoritha Security noted that hoax bomb threat emails place unnecessary strain on security agencies and disrupt public safety systems. The researcher said digital forensics, email tracing and technical surveillance are crucial in such investigations.
Delhi Police said further legal action will depend on the analysis of electronic records, digital evidence and other findings.
