Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Sep 6: A man has been arrested in Noida for allegedly sending a threatening message to the Mumbai police, warning of multiple blasts in the city during Ganesh festival celebrations.
The message, received on the Mumbai traffic police’s WhatsApp helpline on Thursday, claimed that 14 Pakistani terrorists had entered the city with 400 kg of RDX planted in 34 vehicles. It further threatened to ‘kill 1 cr people.’ The alert forced police into an emergency response as the city was preparing for Anant Chaturdashi, the concluding day of the 10-day ganesh chaturthi festival, on Saturday.
Police identified the alleged sender as Ashwini, who was arrested by the Noida police after Mumbai police contacted commissioner Laxmi Singh for assistance. Based on the information obtained during interrogation, a joint operation was conducted leading to his arrest.
The threat message also mentioned an organisation named Lashkar-e-Jihadi. Officials, however, said that similar messages have been received in the past and appealed to citizens not to panic. “Security has been beefed up at key locations, and combing operations are underway. Mumbaikars are urged not to believe in rumours and to report any suspicious activity,” a police officer said.
The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) was also alerted. While prima facie the threat appears to be a hoax, technical investigations are underway to trace the source. Authorities said extra precautions are being taken given the massive crowds expected on immersion day.
Following the incident, Worli police registered a case under section 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and sub-sections 2, 3, and 4.
More than 21,000 police personnel have been deployed across Mumbai to ensure safety during idol immersion processions. Lakhs of devotees are expected to take part in the rituals as the city bids farewell to lord Ganesha in the sea, water bodies, and artificial ponds.