Indian intelligence agencies have successfully uncovered a hoax bomb attack targeting schools in Delhi and Ahmedabad. The suspect is being tracked to Faislabad, Pakistan, and is suspected to be an agent of Pakistan's ISI intelligence agency.
Police believe the email was intended to cause mass panic. The Delhi FIR claims that the threat was aimed at “disturbing public order” through mass panic. In Ahmedabad, the email arrived just before the Lok Sabha elections and may have been aimed at disrupting the polls.
Deep technology and deception
Intelligence agencies employed sophisticated infiltration techniques and social engineering tactics known as “honey traps” to identify the culprits. Investigators found that the email originated from a mail.ru address linked to a chat platform owned by a Russian company.
Importantly, Russian intelligence reportedly shared important information that could aid the investigation. The findings, including the suspect's location within a Pakistani military camp, strengthen suspicions of Pakistani involvement, possibly with assistance from Chinese intelligence. Indian authorities in Delhi and Gujarat state have been informed of the initial findings.
Email raises red flags
Both bomb threats exhibited similar characteristics. The Delhi email was signed with the term “sawarim”, which is associated with ISIS propaganda, and contained religious poetry. The Ahmedabad email was sent from a “Tawheedul” address, with the sender identifying himself as a “Tawheed fighter” threatening suicide bombings.
Investigators traced the 'tauheedl' address to an account belonging to 'Tauheed Liyaqat' and found that it was linked to another account named 'Ahmad Javed'. Both accounts showed activity on gaming platforms.
