Cyber Crime Thriller: Love, Revenge, and Fake Emails – 30-Year-Old Engineer Arrested for Bomb Threat Hoax Across India

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Bengaluru / Ahmedabad: In a shocking case that has spanned multiple states, a 30-year-old cyber expert from Gujarat, Rene Joshelda, has been arrested by the Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch for sending fake bomb threat emails to at least 21 schools across India, including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana, and Gujarat. The arrest comes after a body warrant was issued and Bengaluru police took her into custody before handing her over to Gujarat authorities.

The Crime

Rene Joshelda, an engineering graduate and senior advisor at a reputed firm, allegedly orchestrated the campaign of fear as an act of personal revenge against her former lover, Prabhakar. She reportedly created multiple fake email IDs and WhatsApp accounts using VPN services and a virtual number app called “Gate Code” to mask her identity.

Investigations revealed that Rene aimed to frame her ex-boyfriend by sending threatening emails in his name, hoping that if he was implicated, his wife would leave him. In her emails, she threatened principals, staff, and students with bomb explosions, causing panic in multiple schools. One such email was sent from the address divijpprabhakaralaksmi@gmail.com.

Elaborate Cyber Setup

• Created 6–7 WhatsApp accounts to coordinate her activities.
• Used VPNs to hide her real location.
• Sent threats from multiple virtual email addresses.
• Targeted schools in central and northern Bengaluru, among other cities.

Previous Incidents and Arrest

Rene had previously made false claims of responsibility for the Air India crash in Ahmedabad on June 12, in which 241 people lost their lives. She was first arrested by Gujarat Cyber Police, later questioned by Bengaluru police on October 28, and then returned to Gujarat authorities.

Legal Action

Cases have been registered under the Information Technology Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Section 351 for criminal intimidation. Her laptop and mobile devices have been seized as evidence.

Police Statement

A senior officer stated that Rene Joshelda’s cybercrime operation shows a highly calculated, technically skilled approach, blending personal vendetta with criminal intent. The case highlights the growing threat of cyber-enabled crimes targeting institutions across state lines.