New Delhi, March 4, Indian intelligence agencies have warned that cases related to false bomb threats are expected to increase in the coming months, especially with several elections approaching.
In the past year, many schools and airlines have received such calls. The airline industry, in particular, was most affected, as the recalling and rescheduling of flights caused significant losses.
An official from the Intelligence Bureau said that this is a low-cost operation for the ISI, as it does not require much investment. However, the consequences are huge, as it spreads panic among the people, the official said.
Another official said that this time, the ISI will heavily use elements associated with Khalistan to carry out this mission. The official said that these individuals will aim to create panic in states across the country.
This week, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch arrested Biswas, who had made a threatening call against schools and lower courts, claiming to be acting on behalf of the Khalistan movement. However, the police are still investigating whether he was acting alone or was part of a larger network.
Biswas had emailed a school in Gujarat, threatening to blow it up. He also claimed that Gujarat would become the next Khalistan.
The ISI has also been working on a plan for West Bengal and the rest of the states that will be holding elections this year.
In addition to false calls, the ISI also plans to instruct its agents to engage in a massive disinformation campaign in these states.
Issues such as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) would be issues that these elements would raise to spread misinformation about voters and their rights.
An official said that sensitive issues would be raised to spread panic through false narratives. The ISI realizes that the elections in West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu are important. The campaigns in these states would be intense, and the ISI would aim to spread false narratives to disrupt peace and harmony.
Another official said that the agencies should particularly be vigilant against messages aimed at disturbing communal harmony. There would be attempts to distort facts so that peace is disturbed. The official added that while such attempts would be made in all states that are going to the polls, the focus would largely be on West Bengal and Assam, where there are several sensitivities.
Intelligence agencies say that they have already gathered information about local modules being activated ahead of the polls. Terror attacks are very much on the cards for these groups, which would be led by outfits such as the Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HuJI).
Officials say that Pakistan badly wants to avenge Operation Sindoor, and hence would look to create havoc in election-bound states. The focus of the security forces would be more towards the elections, and these elements are looking to take advantage of that.
Trying to carry out terror attacks and simultaneously spreading misinformation would put a lot of stress on the security mechanism, officials say.
Another official said that the agencies should also be on the lookout for similar incidents taking place in other states. Terror groups normally would try to create a perception that they are focusing on one particular state. While trying to create this diversion, they may attempt a major attack in a neighbouring state, officials say.
Elections are set to be held in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry between May 7 and June 15. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is set to announce the dates for the polls in these states. This period would be crucial, and the agencies warn that ISI-backed activities will be at an all-time high.
