U.S.-based software engineer arrested in Chennai over hoax bomb threats to persons, institutions across India
A US-based software engineer was arrested at Chennai airport for allegedly sending numerous hoax bomb threats to high-profile institutions across India between 2023 and 2025. Despite using sophisticated anonymization tools, the suspect was identified after accidentally revealing his identity through a personal email response.
Why it matters
The case underscores the challenges of investigating cyber-enabled crimes that cross international borders and the persistence of law enforcement in tracking digital footprints.
The Tamil Nadu Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), on Wednesday (July 22, 2026), arrested a U.S.-based software engineer at Chennai International Airport in connection with a series of hoax bomb threat emails sent between 2023 and 2025 to airports, educational institutions, public officials and other high-profile targets across India.
Police identified the suspect as Sarath Subramanian Shankar, a native of Ambasamudram in Tirunelveli district, who had been residing in Austin, Texas, where he worked for a software company.
He was intercepted by immigration authorities after arriving in Chennai on an Etihad Airways flight in the early hours of Wednesday and was subsequently taken into custody by an ATS team for interrogation.
According to the police, Sarath is suspected to have sent numerous anonymous bomb threat emails targeting commercial flights, schools, colleges including Anna University , politicians, senior police officers and other prominent public personalities.
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