Mumbai: A man has been arrested in Noida for allegedly sending a bomb threat message to the Mumbai Police, sparking panic just days before the grand Ganesh idol immersion processions. The accused, identified as Ashwini, was arrested from Noida Sector 113 after joint coordination between Mumbai Police and Noida Police.
According to officials, the message was sent on the Mumbai Traffic Police’s WhatsApp helpline on Thursday. It claimed that 14 Pakistani terrorists had infiltrated Mumbai with 400 kg of RDX, allegedly planted in 34 vehicles across the city. The sender also named a group called “Lashkar-e-Jihadi”.
The threat came as the Mumbai Police were intensifying security for Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival, scheduled for Saturday. With lakhs of devotees expected on the roads for the idol immersion, security agencies swung into action.
Police sources confirmed that Ashwini was taken into custody after inputs from technical surveillance and handed over to Mumbai Police for further questioning. While initial investigation suggests it may have been a hoax, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has been alerted.
“Traffic police have received such bomb threat messages earlier as well. Citizens are requested not to panic or believe in rumours. Security checks, combing operations, and high vigilance are in place,” a senior officer said.
A case has been registered at Worli Police Station under Section 351 (criminal intimidation) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and related provisions.
Meanwhile, more than 21,000 police personnel have been deployed in Mumbai to ensure smooth and safe immersion processions. Authorities have also appealed to Mumbaikars to immediately report any suspicious activity.
