Chennai Bomb Threat Case: Software Engineer Held, Probe Reaches Multiple States
Sarath Subramanian Shankar, a software engineer accused of sending over 1,500 bomb threat emails, has been taken into custody by the Madurai police for interrogation. The 33-year-old, who was arrested at Chennai airport on July 22, 2026, is currently lodged in Puzhal Prison after his arrest by the Tamil Nadu Counter Terrorism Wing (CTW).
Shankar, who had been employed in the United States, is alleged to have sent threatening emails between 2023 and 2025 to airports, educational institutions, political leaders, and senior police officials across the country. The emails, which claimed the presence of explosive devices, caused widespread panic and required extensive security sweeps at several locations.
According to the police, Shankar has admitted to issuing 20 of the bomb threats that are part of 31 cases registered by the Tamil Nadu Counter Terrorism Wing. The Madurai police have now taken him into custody to interrogate him in connection with threats sent to institutions in their jurisdiction.
The case is widening beyond Tamil Nadu, with police from Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh set to take Shankar into custody in connection with bomb threat cases registered in their respective states. This is a standard legal procedure that allows investigating agencies in different jurisdictions to question the suspect.
The Counter Terrorism Wing has stated that all these cases would soon be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The NIA is the central agency responsible for probing terrorism-related offences, and its involvement indicates the national significance of the case.
Bomb threat emails, even when hoaxes, are a serious offence under the Indian Penal Code. They cause disruption, trigger security protocols, and create fear among the public. The widespread nature of the threats, which targeted aviation infrastructure, schools, and political figures, underscores the need for a coordinated investigation across state lines.
The arrest came after a prolonged investigation by the Chennai Cyber Crime Cell and the CTW, which traced the origin of the emails to Shankar, who was returning from the U.S. when he was detained at the airport. The police have not yet disclosed the motive behind the threats, stating that the interrogation is ongoing to determine whether Shankar acted alone or had any accomplices.
The transfer of custody to multiple states and the impending NIA takeover reflects the scale of the investigation. Authorities are expected to examine Shankar's digital devices, email records, and travel history to piece together a comprehensive picture. The case also raises questions about the ease with which anonymous threats can be sent, prompting concerns about cybersecurity and public safety.
