A senior consultant and robotics engineer from Chennai has been arrested for orchestrating a series of hoax bomb threats targeting multiple locations across India, including airports, schools, hospitals, and stadiums. Police allege that Rene Joshilda, working with Deloitte, sent false threats from fake email accounts and VPNs to more than 20 places in 11 states, causing widespread panic and large-scale evacuations. Among the threats was a chilling email claiming responsibility for the recent Air India Flight 171 crash in Ahmedabad, which struck a building near BJ Medical College.

Authorities say Joshilda’s motive was personal revenge against a colleague whose romantic feelings she had sought but were not reciprocated. When the man married earlier this year, she allegedly began framing him by sending bomb threats under his name. Police investigations revealed that she used encrypted emails, Pakistani VPNs, and the dark web to hide her identity. Despite her technical efforts to erase traces, a critical slip led cybercrime officials to track her down in Chennai. Officials also noted a history of harassment, including impersonation of former friends on social media platforms using fake accounts.

The arrest has raised concerns about cybercrime and the misuse of technology for personal vendettas. State police departments are now collaborating with Gujarat Police to investigate similar related incidents. Joshilda remains in custody, facing multiple charges under the IT Act and criminal law. Police warn that she had planned to continue sending threats during upcoming public events, highlighting the seriousness of her actions and the need for vigilance against such threats.