The recent bomb scare at the BITS Pilani in Sancoale on February 7 which turned out to be a hoax has been yet another instance in a long list of false bomb threats to have rattled Mormugao taluka over the past few years.
While such threats often lead to panic and large-scale security operations, they have also become so frequent that many locals have started dismissing them as routine hoaxes.
Mormugao taluka, which is home to Dabolim Airport, the Mormugao Port, and several key installations and institutions, has witnessed at least six hoax bomb threats in the past two years. Most of these incidents have targeted the Dabolim Airport, causing significant disruptions to flights and passenger movements.
JANUARY 9, 2023
A bomb threat was reported on board a Russian charter flight (Azur Airways) heading to Goa. Security agencies were immediately alerted, and the flight was diverted to Jamnagar Airport, where a full-scale investigation took place.
After hours of rigorous checks, authorities confirmed it was a hoax. The flight, carrying 244 passengers, finally landed in Goa the next day.
JANUARY 21, 2023
Barely two weeks later, another Azur Airways charter flight carrying 247 passengers was diverted, this time to Uzbekistan, after the Goa Airport director received a bomb threat email. The flight was scheduled to land at Dabolim Airport at 4.15 am, but following security protocols, it was redirected. A thorough investigation revealed no explosive devices, confirming yet another hoax.
JULY 29, 2023
A mystery caller reported a bomb planted at Goa International Airport, leading to chaos. The CISF, ATS, the Bomb Disposal Squad, and a Police Dog Squad were deployed immediately. Passenger movement was restricted, and a thorough search was conducted. Security was heightened, but the threat was ultimately deemed a false alarm.
APRIL 29, 2024
The Dabolim Airport and Manohar International Airport at Mopa were placed on high alert after an email claiming bombs had been planted at multiple airports was received at 9.30 am. Emergency security checks were conducted by ATS, CISF, fire brigade, and police teams, but no explosives were found. The incident was confirmed to be a hoax.
OCTOBER 27, 2024
A person on social media had issued a bomb threat targeting Indigo Airlines at Dabolim Airport. The airline, along with security forces, conducted an immediate investigation. The threat was confirmed to be fake, but authorities registered an offence under multiple sections of the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982.
FEBRUARY 7, 2025
An email claiming RDX was planted in the BITS Pilani auditorium sent shock waves through the Sancoale-based campus, which was hosting a three-day national-level event with 4,500 students present. The premises were evacuated, and security teams including ATS, BDDS, fire brigade, and police conducted a thorough search. No explosives were found, confirming yet another hoax.
MORMUGAO A
REGULAR TARGET
Mormugao has been a frequent target for hoax bomb threats on account of various reasons.
First, the taluka is home to many high-security installations like the Dabolim Airport, Mormugao Port, railway station, Indian Navy, Coast Guard, Goa Shipyard Limited, other central installations and major educational institutions, making the taluka a sensitive zone.
Besides, Goa’s status as a tourist hotspot means any disruption at the airport or major transport hubs affects thousands of people.
Moreover, there is an ease of creating panic. The psychological impact of such threats, especially at the airport and other installations/institutions, makes Mormugao a preferred target for pranksters and miscreants.
THE IMPACT
Every hoax call involves the deployment of various resources and triggers a massive security operation, involving police, ATS, BDS, CISF, Police Dog Squad and emergency responders.
Besides, hoax calls cause panic and public inconvenience. Passengers and students face evacuations, delays, inconvenience and distress.
There are also legal consequences, as authorities have started registering criminal offences against hoax callers. However, identifying culprits remains a challenge.
AUTHORITIES
ON HIGH ALERT
With the increasing frequency of hoax bomb threats, authorities at Dabolim Airport and key installations in Mormugao Taluka have tightened security protocols.
Officials urge the public and airport workers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities immediately.
While security forces treat every threat seriously, locals in Mormugao have grown accustomed to these false alarms. However, each incident remains a test of preparedness for real emergencies, ensuring that Goa remains safe for both residents and tourists.
