Mumbai: A 50-year-old astrologer from Patna was arrested in Noida within 24 hours of allegedly sending a bomb threat message to the Mumbai Traffic Police. The message, received on the force’s WhatsApp helpline on Thursday, claimed that 14 Pakistani terrorists had entered the city with 400 kilograms of RDX hidden in 34 vehicles, threatening blasts to kill “1 crore people.”
Arrest traced to Noida grocery shop
The accused, identified as Ashwinikumar Sureshkumar Supra, had switched off his mobile phone after sending the threat. However, Mumbai Police, with the help of local intelligence and CCTV footage from a grocery shop in Sector 79, Noida, tracked him down. He was arrested with the assistance of Noida Police and handed over to the Mumbai Crime Branch.
Ashwinikumar, police sources said, is an astrologer and trader, currently in the process of separating from his wife. Another man from Sorakha village was also arrested for allegedly providing his SIM card to the accused for sending the threat message.
Security tightened during Ganesh festival
The bomb threat came as Mumbai Police was making extensive security arrangements for Anant Chaturdashi, the culmination of the 10-day Ganesh festival, which involves mass idol immersions across the city. More than 21,000 police personnel have been deployed at immersion sites, with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and specialised units assisting in surveillance and combing operations.
Joint Commissioner CP Rajiv Narayan Mishra coordinated with Noida Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh to ensure swift action. A Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was formed to apprehend the accused.
Lashkar name used in message
The threat message mentioned an organisation called “Lashkar-e-Jihadi”, triggering alarm among authorities. While police suspect the message to be a hoax, they are treating it with utmost seriousness given the high footfall expected on immersion day.
“Traffic police have received such bomb threat messages in the past. There is no need to panic. Security has been beefed up at key locations, and combing operations are underway. Mumbaikars are urged not to believe in rumours and report any suspicious activity,” an officer said.
Case registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
The Worli police station registered a case under Section 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and sub-sections 2, 3, and 4. Technical analysis of the mobile phone and SIM card is underway to determine the source and intent of the threat.
Conclusion
Though initial investigations suggest the threat was a hoax, the Mumbai Police are leaving nothing to chance during one of the city’s largest public gatherings. With lakhs expected on the streets for idol immersions, authorities continue to maintain heightened vigilance.