Software Engineer Jailed in Gujarat Arrested for Orchestrating Bomb Hoaxes Across Multiple Indian Cities

Bengaluru:

The Bengaluru Police have achieved a significant breakthrough in addressing the escalating issue of bomb threats nationwide by apprehending a woman currently incarcerated in Ahmedabad Central Jail. This individual has been identified as the perpetrator behind numerous bomb threat emails sent to educational institutions across Bengaluru.

The case began unfolding when a public school in Bengaluru received a threatening email on June 14 evening. The school's principal promptly filed a police report, initiating an official investigation into the matter.

As additional hoax bomb alerts emerged throughout Bengaluru, the City Police Commissioner instructed the North Division Cyber Crime unit to consolidate and handle all related cases. Their investigation led to an unexpected suspect—Rene Joshilda, a software engineer already serving time in a Gujarat prison.

Authorities transferred Joshilda to Bengaluru on October 28 under a body warrant. During questioning, she admitted to distributing bomb threat emails not just to Bengaluru schools but also to institutions across Mysuru, Chennai, and Gujarat regions.

According to police reports, Joshilda, leveraging her technical expertise as a software engineer, employed VPNs and virtual phone numbers generated through the "Gate Code" application to establish multiple WhatsApp accounts. This sophisticated approach enabled her to conceal her digital identity while issuing the threats. Investigators believe she maintained several accounts to avoid detection and maximize public panic.

Following thorough interrogation, Joshilda was returned to Ahmedabad Central Jail on October 31, where she remains in custody.

Law enforcement officials revealed that this arrest has uncovered a pattern of coordinated hoax threats spanning multiple states. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine whether additional individuals were involved in this nationwide bomb scare campaign.