Tamil Nadu ATS Alleges Engineer Sent False Bomb Threat Emails Targeting Airports, Schools and Government Institutions
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 targeting airports, educational institutions, government offices, and other high-profile locations across India.
According to investigators, the alleged emails were sent between 2023 and 2025, triggering large-scale security responses in multiple states. Although the threats were ultimately found to be false, authorities say each warning required emergency deployment of bomb disposal squads, police personnel, and other security agencies.
The investigation highlights the growing challenge of cyber-enabled hoax threats and the importance of digital forensic investigations in identifying alleged offenders.
Engineer Arrested Upon Arrival in India
The accused has been identified as Sarath Subramanian Shankar, a native of Ambasamudram in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district.
According to officials, he had been residing in Austin, Texas, where he was employed as a software engineer.
Authorities stated that he was detained immediately after arriving at Chennai International Airport and was formally arrested following questioning.
Alleged Hoax Emails Triggered Security Operations
Investigators allege that the accused sent multiple bomb threat emails over a two-year period.
According to the investigation, the emails claimed explosives had been planted at locations including:
- Airports
- Educational institutions
- Government offices
- Premises linked to public officials
- Other high-profile public locations
Each threat prompted emergency security protocols, including searches by bomb disposal squads and police teams. Officials stated that all reported threats were ultimately determined to be hoaxes.
Digital Forensics Underway
The Tamil Nadu ATS is examining the digital infrastructure allegedly used to transmit the emails.
Investigators are analysing:
- Email accounts
- Internet service records
- Electronic devices
- Online activity
- Digital logs
Authorities are also attempting to determine whether the accused acted alone or received assistance from other individuals or organised groups.
Investigation Linked Multiple Cases
Officials stated that investigators identified the suspect after analysing patterns across multiple hoax bomb threat cases registered in different states.
Once authorities learned that the suspect was travelling to India, surveillance was intensified, resulting in his arrest upon arrival in Chennai.
The investigation continues to determine the alleged motive and establish the extent of involvement in each reported incident.
Experts Highlight Impact of Hoax Threats
Cybersecurity experts note that hoax bomb threats impose a substantial burden on emergency response systems.
Every reported threat must initially be treated as genuine, requiring mobilisation of:
- Police personnel
- Bomb disposal units
- Fire services
- Airport security
- Emergency responders
These operations consume significant public resources and can disrupt transportation and public services.
Cross-Border Cyber Investigations
Experts associated with the Future Crime Research Foundation noted that investigations into digitally transmitted hoax threats rely heavily on:
- Email header analysis
- IP address tracing
- Device forensics
- Cloud data examination
- Electronic evidence
Because cyber activities often involve international infrastructure, such investigations may require cooperation between Indian authorities and foreign law enforcement agencies.
Investigation Continues
The Tamil Nadu ATS is continuing its investigation to determine the full scope of the accused's alleged involvement in the reported hoax bomb threats sent between 2023 and 2025.
Officials stated that further legal action will depend on the evidence collected during the ongoing investigation.