Amritsar (National Times): A fresh wave of concern gripped Punjab after a bomb threat email was received by Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport in Amritsar, echoing the same pattern as the nine previous threatening emails sent to the Golden Temple. Authorities believe the same group is behind both sets of threats.
The email, received on Sunday, claimed the airport would be blown up. As with previous threats to the Golden Temple, the tone, language, and formatting of the message closely match earlier emails, pointing to a coordinated and calculated campaign.
Following the threat, security has been significantly tightened at the airport. The Amritsar police have filed a case, and the cyber cell has been tasked with tracing the origins of the email. Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar confirmed the escalation of the investigation, stating, “We are taking this very seriously and are confident of a breakthrough soon.”
Investigation Stalled by the Dark Web
Police sources reveal that the perpetrators are not lone actors but a well-organized and tech-savvy network. Investigators suspect the use of the dark web and encrypted email platforms, which allow users to hide their identity and location.
Earlier emails were sent using Microsoft Outlook; more recent ones have come from Hotmail accounts, suggesting attempts to evade detection by constantly shifting digital tactics.
“Due to the use of the dark web, the IP address leads us to different countries, making it hard to pinpoint the exact origin,” said Commissioner Bhullar.
IT Professional Detained, Not Yet Arrested
As part of the probe, Punjab Police—working in coordination with central agencies—detained Shubham Dubey, an IT professional from Faridabad. His digital devices have been seized and are under forensic examination. While Dubey remains under questioning, no conclusive evidence has emerged to justify an arrest.
“His expertise in IT has made extracting information from his devices quite challenging,” said a senior official involved in the investigation. “Unless we find solid evidence, we will have to let him go.”
Fake Identities Used in Threat Emails
Adding a bizarre twist to the case, the emails have been sent using the fake names of high-profile individuals. The first email was sent under the name of the Chief Minister of Kerala, while subsequent messages used the name of a former Chief Justice of India. Officials believe this is part of a deliberate ploy to distract and confuse investigators.
Authorities Remain Hopeful
Despite the complex web of digital deception, police say they are making progress. “Technical investigations take time, especially when dealing with such sophisticated methods,” Bhullar said. “But we are confident that we will unmask those behind these threats soon.”
The series of threats—first to the Golden Temple, now to Amritsar airport- has triggered serious concerns over cyber security and public safety. With heightened security measures in place and federal agencies involved, the hope is that a breakthrough will come before any real harm can be done.
