Aditya Verma, a British university student, is facing trial over a Snapchat message that sparked a high-alert security response. Verma was en route to Menorca, Spain, with friends. His Snapchat message, sent from Gatwick Airport, humorously claimed affiliation with the Taliban and an intent to destroy the plane.
“On my way to blow up the plane (I’m a member of the Taliban),” he wrote.
This comment, apparently meant as a jest to friends, led to an immediate reaction from UK security services. The incident dates back to July 2022 when the British-Indian student was 18.
The UK authorities detected the message through Gatwick’s Wi-Fi. They informed their Spanish counterparts while the easyJet flight was airborne. The Spanish Air Force deployed two F-18 jets, escorting the plane until its safe landing in Menorca. An extensive search ensued, yet nothing suspicious was found.
Verma, arrested upon landing, spent two days in police custody. Released on bail, he returned to the UK. He faced questioning by British intelligence agencies MI5 and MI6 before returning to his Orpington home. The incident occurred when Verma was preparing to start his economics studies at Bath University.
During his court appearance in Madrid, Spain, Verma emphasised the message was “a joke in a private group setting”.
“The intention was never to cause public distress or cause public harm. It was just sent to my friends I was travelling with on the day,” the BBC quoted Verma telling the court.
When questioned about the message’s nature, he linked it to a long-standing joke stemming from his appearance. “Since school, it’s been a joke because of my features… It was just to make people laugh,” he added.
Verma also shared his initial belief that the accompanying fighter jets were part of a military exercise related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
No ties to jihadist radicalism
Spanish police, after analysing Verma’s phone, found no ties to jihadist radicalism. He researched conflicts between Pakistan and India and potential Islamic State attacks in the region, but nothing incriminating was discovered.
Verma, not facing terrorism charges, could be fined up to €22,500 (over ₹20 lakh). The Spanish defence ministry also seeks €95,000 (over ₹83 lakh) in expenses for the response. A verdict from the Madrid court is expected soon.
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Vikram Sharma is a globe-trotting journalist with a global perspective on international events. His articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing insights into the world’s most pressing challenges.
