Gokul claimed that he wanted to get his friend arrested, as he was in love with his wife. Hence, he sent messages about bombs from a SIM registered in his friend’s name.

The bomb hoax at airports in Bengaluru and Delhi, which delayed seven international and domestic flights on Saturday, was the result of a sinister plan by a city-based sales executive to get his ‘friend’ in trouble as he was in love with the latter’s wife.

He got a SIM in his friend’s name and used the number to send warnings on WhatsApp of bombs going off in the two airports. The plan fell flat and the police picked up the sales executive, M.G. Gokul (37), based on the tower location from where the messages were generated.

While questioning him, police stumbled upon another crime — Gokul had allegedly murdered his wife a few months ago and made it look like an accident.

The Bengaluru International Airport Limited management was rattled after receiving a series of WhatsApp messages about bombs. They stepped up security and checked the entire area, which led to postponement of flights. Meanwhile, the city police swung into action and, within few hours of the incident, tracked down the mobile number, from which the messages were sent, to a residence in HSR Layout.

Though the SIM was registered in the name of a software engineer, the timing of the WhatsApp messages and the tower location did not match that of his movements. Police were puzzled on learning that the man was not even in the city when the messages were sent. This led to them to suspect Gokul who stays in the same residential complex. Call records showed that he was in touch with the man’s wife.

When questioned, Gokul claimed that he wanted to get his friend arrested, as he was in love with his wife. Hence, he sent messages about bombs from a SIM registered in his friend’s name. He claimed that his friend’s wife knew of the plan and helped him gather the documents necessary to procure the SIM. However, investigators say the woman’s role has not yet been ascertained. Gokul also admitted to murdering his wife in June and making it appear as an accidental death, said sources.

Additional Commissioner of Police P. Harishekaran, who is heading the investigation, said that Gokul has been arrested and one person has been detained, but refused to divulge details. The case has been handed over to the Central Crime Branch for a detailed probe.