Mumbai, September 6 — In a deeply unsettling development, Mumbai Police have ramped up security across the city following a threatening WhatsApp message that claimed 400 kg of RDX explosives had been planted in 34 vehicles, allegedly by 14 Pakistani terrorists. The message, received on the traffic police’s helpline, warned of “human bombs” and mass destruction capable of killing “1 crore people”.
The Threat Message
The sender, identifying themselves as part of a group called “Lashkar-e-Jihadi,” claimed that the explosives were strategically placed to coincide with Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of the Ganesh festival. With lakhs of devotees expected to participate in visarjan processions, the timing of the threat has heightened public anxiety.
Police Response
Mumbai Police, along with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Crime Branch, have launched a full-scale investigation. Security has been intensified at key locations, including religious sites, public transport hubs, and immersion points. Combing operations and bomb detection drills are underway, and authorities are leaving “no basement or parking lot unchecked”.
A senior officer stated, “We are treating this threat with utmost seriousness. All angles are being investigated, and we urge citizens to remain calm and report any suspicious activity”.
Past Incidents & Pattern
This threat follows a string of recent hoax calls and bomb scare emails targeting Mumbai’s temples, railway stations, and even the airport. While many of these turned out to be false alarms, officials stress that protocol demands every threat be treated as credible until proven otherwise.
🙏 Public Advisory
Authorities have appealed to Mumbaikars not to spread rumours and to cooperate with security personnel during the visarjan festivities. Citizens are encouraged to use official helplines to report concerns and avoid forwarding unverified messages.
