Terror hoax: Maharashtra author held for sending 354 threat emails

Nagpur police have detained Jagdish Uikey, a 35-year-old resident of the Maoist-affected Gondia district in Maharashtra, for allegedly sending 354 hoax emails targeting government offices, flights, and railway stations.

Uikey, an aspiring author, allegedly used threats to gain attention for his book on terrorism, titled Atankwad-Ek Tufaani Rakshash (Terrorism: A Demonic Storm), with emails starting from January. He had been on the run ever since police zeroed in on him as the sender of the emails.

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Sought govt endorsement

Nagpur DCP Lohit Matani said Uikey initially sought government endorsement for his book, repeatedly emailing the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and senior officials.

After numerous unsuccessful attempts, he shifted to sending alarmist emails, warning of bomb threats and sleeper cell activity across India.

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Police sources say Uikey’s threats mirrored certain US security advisories, suggesting he may have borrowed content to lend his messages urgency.

Intricately coded messages

Investigators found Uikey's emails employed coded language, with letters representing targeted sites: "M" for markets, "R" for railways, and "A" for airlines.

In one message, he warned of hijacks involving major airlines, including Air India and IndiGo, while hinting at terror attacks at multiple airports. These threats placed security forces on alert and prompted intensified vigilance at transportation hubs.

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'Secret terror code'

Police Commissioner Ravinder Singal noted that Uikey, previously detained for sending provocative emails, was again flagged after his recent message to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, claiming access to a “secret terror code”. Uikey threatened protests if officials refused to meet his demands within 24 hours.

Nagpur police, alongside Delhi Police’s Special Cell, are investigating Uikey’s digital footprint and have seized his devices.

Psychological evaluation

Currently being held in Nagpur, Uikey faces ongoing questioning, though authorities have found no solid links to terror organisations.

A psychological evaluation is planned to clarify his motivations as investigators examine his intentions and potential influence on public safety.