Engineer Sends 21 Bomb Threats Across Gujarat to Frame Man Who Rejected Her, Arrested
A complex investigation into bomb threat emails targeting Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and locations across 12 Indian states has revealed a disturbing case of unrequited love turning into vengeance.
The accused, identified as Rene Joshilda, a senior consultant at a Chennai-based multinational company, allegedly used her technical knowledge to frame a man she loved after he married someone else.
Arrest After Months-Long Probe
Joshilda, who holds a degree in engineering and specialised training in robotics, was arrested from her Chennai residence by Ahmedabad cybercrime police after a prolonged digital investigation.
olice tracked her down despite her efforts to conceal her identity through virtual private networks (VPNs), fake email accounts, and the dark web.
Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), Sharad Singhal, revealed that Joshilda used various fake email IDs, some created using the name of Divij Prabhakar — the man she wanted to marry.
Her arrest followed weeks of technical surveillance and careful tracing of her digital trail.
From Heartbreak to Hoax
Police explained that Joshilda fell in love with Prabhakar, whom she met during a project in Bengaluru.
Despite her feelings, the affection remained one-sided. In February, when Prabhakar married another woman, Joshilda’s heartbreak allegedly turned into a desire for revenge.
“In a bid to frame him, she created different email IDs, some in his name,” said Joint Commissioner Singhal.
Blinded by emotions, she allegedly used her expertise to send a series of bomb threats, triggering widespread panic across the country.
Multiple Bomb Threats Across India
According to police, Joshilda sent at least 21 threat emails targeting institutions in Ahmedabad, including the Narendra Modi Stadium, BJ Medical College, and two schools.
Similar emails were sent to locations in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Bihar, Telangana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana.
The emails often coincided with religious events or VIP visits, heightening security concerns.
One email declared, “Bomb successfully planted in Narendra Modi Stadium. Save the stadium if you can.”
In another, sent after the Air India AI-171 plane crash that killed over 270 people, she falsely claimed responsibility: “Like we sent you mail yesterday, we crashed the Air India plane with our former CM. We know the police would have thought that the plane crash was a hoax and ignored it. Well done to our pilot. Now you know we are not playing.”
High-Tech Cover, Small Mistake
Joshilda took extensive precautions to cover her tracks. She used virtual numbers to create email IDs, accessed the dark web via the Tor browser, and used VPNs to hide her location.
“She was very smart and never revealed her digital trail,” said Singhal. “But one small mistake led us to her.”
Police said she made an error by accessing both her real and fake email accounts from the same device once, which exposed her IP address. That was enough for cybercrime experts to trace the hoax emails back to her.
Digital Evidence and Arrest
Ahmedabad police, along with cyber units from other states, arrested Joshilda from her home in Chennai. During the raid, police seized electronic devices and other digital evidence linking her to the emails.
“We have busted a big module involving cyber sabotage driven by personal revenge,” Singhal stated. “This is one of the most complicated hoax threat cases in recent times.”
A Case That Shook 12 States
The bomb threats sent by Joshilda triggered high alerts and police action in Gujarat and other states. The threats not only caused fear among the public but also strained police resources during VIP events and religious processions.
The initial investigation began after a school in Ahmedabad received a threatening email on June 3, 2025. Over the next few weeks, multiple institutions received similar emails, escalating the situation into a nationwide probe.
Joshilda remains in police custody as the investigation continues. Authorities are examining the extent of her involvement and whether others were aware of her actions.
