Indian intelligence agencies are closely tracking a renewed surge in hoax threats across the country, with officials warning that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) is suspected of orchestrating a fresh wave of psychological operations targeting Bollywood celebrities and politicians. The development comes after a sharp spike in similar threats last year, which hit the airline industry and schools before security agencies managed to bring the numbers down.

Why the Threat is Returning

According to an Intelligence Bureau (IB) official, there are clear indicators that such threats are set to rise once again — this time with a sharper focus on the film industry and the political class. The official cited the recent Tiger Shroff shooting incident as a trigger point, noting that it has generated significant anxiety among celebrities. 'Following the Tiger Shroff shooting incident, there is a great deal of panic among the celebrities. The ISI 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 such threat can be dismissed without full verification. Each one demands a thorough security response before it can be declared a hoax — a process that strains resources and causes widespread disruption.

Recent High-Profile Cases

Bomb threats directed at veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan and popular singer Diljit Dosanjh are among the most recent examples of what officials describe as a deliberate pattern. Both threats were subsequently declared hoaxes, but not before triggering significant panic and demanding an extensive security response. '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.

How the ISI's Psychological Operations Work

Officials say the ISI runs a dedicated wing for psychological operations inside India, and hoax threats form a core part of that playbook. The operations are described as relatively low-cost and easy to execute. Handlers reportedly recruit young individuals — including minors — by paying them as little as ₹500, tasking them with writing threats on paper and leaving them outside the offices or homes of targets.

The strategy is not limited to celebrities and politicians. Officials note that threats are also being planted in areas already marked by prior violence or communal tension, where a fresh threat amplifies existing fear among residents. 'The aim is to create panic in society,' an official said.

Last Year's Impact and What Changed

The wave of hoax threats in the preceding year caused serious economic and psychological damage. Airlines were forced to ground multiple flights for security checks before clearing them — a costly disruption. Schools receiving bomb threats triggered acute distress among students, parents, and teachers. Targeted action by security agencies had succeeded in driving down the numbers, but officials now warn that the respite may be short-lived.

What Security Agencies Are Advising

Authorities are urging the public not to panic upon receiving or encountering a threat, but to report it immediately to law enforcement rather than ignoring it. Officials say prompt reporting significantly accelerates the process of verifying and, where warranted, declaring a threat a hoax — reducing both the disruption and the psychological impact the perpetrators seek.

With intelligence agencies flagging a credible risk of escalation, the coming weeks will test whether the security architecture put in place after last year's spike can contain the new threat cycle before it intensifies.