Cybercrime – Punjab Police Arrest Suspect Linked to School Threat Emails
Cybercrime – The Punjab Police have arrested a man accused of having connections to a network that allegedly supplied anonymous email accounts used in bomb threat messages sent to schools and other sensitive institutions across multiple states.
Authorities said the accused, identified as Sourav Biswas, also known as Michael, had been living in West Bengal for several years and worked as a graphic designer. Investigators claim he originally came from Bangladesh and had entered India illegally. Officials believe he played a role in a larger cyber network that handled the purchase and distribution of email credentials later used for threatening messages.
Investigation Reveals Online Email Trading Network
According to police officials, Biswas was allegedly active in digital groups operating through social media platforms and encrypted communication channels. Investigators suspect these groups were involved in buying and selling email accounts that allowed users to send messages anonymously.
Police sources stated that during the operation, authorities seized several electronic devices from the accused, including CPUs, hard drives, mobile phones and networking equipment. Initial forensic analysis reportedly uncovered login details and recovery information linked to hundreds of Gmail accounts along with multiple Hotmail accounts.
Officials believe the recovered data may help uncover a broader cyber network operating across borders. Investigators are now examining whether additional individuals were involved in coordinating or distributing these email accounts.
Punjab Police Outline Alleged Modus Operandi
Amritsar Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the accused has been named in multiple cases registered earlier this year under sections related to cybercrime, criminal conspiracy and intimidation under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
According to the police investigation, the suspect allegedly acquired hundreds of Gmail accounts from unidentified sources and later resold them through online channels. Authorities claim a significant number of these accounts were transferred to a Bangladesh-based contact using WhatsApp communication and cryptocurrency payments through USDT transactions.
Investigators further suspect that some of these accounts eventually reached individuals based in Pakistan who were allegedly involved in sending threatening emails and conducting other unlawful online activities. Police, however, said the investigation remains ongoing and several links are still being verified.
Cross-Border Cyber Links Under Examination
A senior police officer associated with the case said the arrest could become an important breakthrough in exposing a wider interstate and international cyber operation. Officials believe the network may have been designed to create panic and disturb public order through anonymous digital threats.
The officer added that this is considered the first major arrest connected to the email threat cases that caused concern among schools and institutions in several parts of the country over recent months.
Cybercrime teams in Amritsar reportedly used technical surveillance, digital tracking and forensic analysis to trace the suspect. Investigators are now working with national and international agencies to identify additional people who may have been involved in the operation.
Interpol Assistance Sought in Probe
Police officials confirmed that assistance from Interpol has been requested to help trace suspected associates believed to be operating from Bangladesh and Pakistan. Authorities are also coordinating with other state police departments after similar threatening email cases emerged elsewhere in India.
Sources indicated that Gujarat Police had also named Biswas in connection with another investigation involving anonymous threat emails. Officials are examining whether the same network was responsible for multiple incidents reported across different states.
Schools in Amritsar Receive Fresh Threat Messages
Meanwhile, tension resurfaced in Amritsar after several schools reportedly received threatening emails on Thursday. Security agencies immediately responded by deploying police teams, anti-sabotage squads and local officers to the affected institutions.
Authorities carried out detailed inspections of school premises to ensure student safety and prevent panic among parents and staff members. Officials said precautionary measures were strengthened while investigations into the source of the latest emails continued.
Police have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information online and assured citizens that all leads connected to the case are being thoroughly investigated.