New Delhi, October 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian intelligence agencies are closely monitoring a reported rise in hoax threats across the country, with officials suspecting that Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) may be attempting to exploit public anxiety by targeting celebrities and political figures.
The issue, which dominated headlines last year, declined significantly following concrete action by security agencies. At the time, threats primarily targeted airlines and schools, causing substantial disruption. Several flights were grounded before being cleared to operate, resulting in significant losses for airlines.
Threats against schools also caused considerable psychological distress among students, parents and teachers.
An Intelligence Bureau official said there were indications that such threats could increase again, with celebrities and members of the political class emerging as potential targets.
“Following the Tiger Shroff shooting incident, there is a great deal of panic among the celebrities. The ISI (Inter Services Intelligence) finds this an opportune time to capitalise on that sentiment and increase the number of these hoax threats with a particular focus on film personalities,” the official said.
Another official stressed that no threat could be dismissed without proper verification. Security agencies must investigate each case and rule out any genuine danger before declaring a threat a hoax.
The official said the objective behind such incidents was psychological, with the perpetrators seeking to spread fear and create a sense of insecurity in society.
“When a celebrity receives a threat, even if it is later declared a hoax, the incident continues to play on their mind for a long time. They remain wary of their movements, and this psychological distress is precisely what these elements seek to inflict,” the official said.
Recent bomb threats targeting actor Amitabh Bachchan and singer Diljit Dosanjh were cited by officials as examples of incidents that caused anxiety despite subsequently being declared hoaxes. The threats required security agencies to investigate and establish that there was no credible danger.
Officials cautioned that such threats were not limited to celebrities and politicians. Perpetrators could also target locations where previous incidents of violence or similar events had already created an atmosphere of fear. Threats in such areas could intensify public anxiety and leave residents feeling insecure.
According to an official, the ISI operates a dedicated wing for psychological operations in India. The official alleged that hoax threats formed part of these activities, aimed at exploiting existing fears and amplifying public anxiety. Such operations were relatively easy to execute and inexpensive, the official added.
The official further claimed that handlers recruited young people, including boys, by offering small payments, sometimes as little as Rs 500. Those recruited were allegedly tasked with issuing threats by writing messages on pieces of paper and leaving them outside the homes or offices of celebrities and politicians.
Security agencies have advised the public not to panic and to report threats immediately rather than ignore them. Prompt reporting allows authorities to investigate the matter, assess any potential danger and determine whether the threat is a hoax, officials said.
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