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A recent incident at Mumbai airport highlights the growing concern over the misuse of social media platforms to spread misinformation and disrupt public safety. An unidentified user on X, formerly known as Twitter, posted a threat claiming to have placed explosives on two SpiceJet flights, causing widespread panic and necessitating immediate security measures. This act, though ultimately deemed a hoax, underscores the potential for malicious actors to exploit online platforms for personal gain or to cause widespread chaos.
The threat message, posted on the official X handle of SpiceJet, stated that explosives had been planted on flights SEJ116 and SEJ124. The post, attributed to a user named Psychward, warned of imminent explosions and urged immediate evacuation. Flight SEJ116, connecting Darbhanga to Mumbai, had already taken off when the threat message was received. Despite the potential danger, the aircraft was safely landed and taken to an isolated bay at the airport. All passengers were evacuated, and their belongings were thoroughly checked. The aircraft itself was also subjected to a comprehensive security examination, ultimately revealing the threat to be a fabrication. Based on the complaint filed by Dhananjay Gawde, Deputy Manager of SpiceJet, the airport police registered an FIR against the unknown X user under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including those pertaining to public nuisance, wrongful restraint, and assault or criminal force.
This incident is not an isolated case. Just a day earlier, the Mumbai Police apprehended a 17-year-old schoolboy from Chhattisgarh for posting a bomb scare message on X in another person's name. This act led to the delay and diversion of three international flights. The frequency of such incidents underscores the need for stringent measures to prevent the spread of false information and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. Social media platforms must implement robust mechanisms to identify and remove malicious content. Law enforcement agencies need to collaborate with technology companies to investigate and prosecute individuals who exploit online platforms for illegal activities. Furthermore, public awareness campaigns are crucial to educate users about the potential consequences of spreading false information and to encourage responsible online behavior. The safety and security of air travel are paramount, and it is imperative that we collectively work towards safeguarding our aviation systems from the threat of malicious actors who seek to disrupt normalcy and sow chaos.
Source: Mumbai-bound SpiceJet flight receives hoax bomb threat, FIR registered