Over 1000 hoaxes: Mumbai Police likely to interrogate accused behind nationwide bomb threats

Officials confirmed that the Mumbai Police will shortly seek his custody for further interrogation as part of their ongoing investigation.

Investigators suspect that Lewis may also be responsible for more than 100 threatening emails reported in Mumbai and surrounding regions over the past three years. Authorities are working to establish whether there is a direct connection between his activities and the threats received in the city.

According to the IANS, Mumbai Police officials stated that they are in close coordination with their Delhi counterparts and are carefully analysing the accused’s previous email activity, including patterns in language, writing style, and digital traces.

Sensitive locations targeted to create panic

Preliminary findings suggest that the accused repeatedly sent hoax bomb threats to high-security and sensitive institutions, including schools, High Courts, Legislative Assemblies, and various government offices. These threats triggered emergency responses, security alerts, and evacuations, leading to significant disruption and public alarm, as per the IANS.

A senior official told the IANS that, should substantial evidence link Lewis to the Mumbai cases, he will be brought to the city for detailed questioning.

Pattern of threats since 2023

Investigators noted that since 2023, Mumbai has witnessed repeated incidents involving a serial email threat sender, often claiming that improvised explosive devices containing RDX had been planted at key locations. These warnings resulted in multiple evacuations of government offices and financial institutions, although each instance was later confirmed to be a hoax, the news agency reported.

On March 18, one such email was sent to the Regional Passport Office at the Bandra-Kurla Complex, warning of 19 cyanide gas bombs set to detonate at 1:30 pm. In another case in May 2025, the Palghar Collector’s office received a threat alleging a possible RDX attack, as per the IANS.

Use of Fake Identities and Digital Masking Techniques

Officials revealed that these emails often included elaborate conspiracy narratives and attempted to mislead investigators by referencing the names of South Indian politicians, film personalities, and YouTubers. The accused is believed to have used multiple digital identities and spoofed email addresses to conceal his true identity.

Cybercrime teams are currently examining technical data such as email headers, IP logs, and routing information to determine whether the Mumbai threats can be conclusively linked to Lewis, reported the IANS.

Possible motive and ongoing probe

Police believe that the suspect deliberately targeted prominent institutions in order to maximise fear and disruption. Preliminary assessments have also raised the possibility that he may have been experiencing mental distress; however, officials stressed that the investigation is ongoing and no conclusions have yet been drawn.

Further details in the case are awaited as multiple agencies continue their inquiries.

(with IANS inputs)