Mumbai braced for a terrifying threat when the Traffic Police’s official WhatsApp helpline received a chilling message warning of 34 “human bombs” loaded in vehicles across the city. The message also claimed that 14 Pakistani terrorists had infiltrated Mumbai with 400 kg of RDX, sparking immediate high-alert security measures in a city already gearing up for the bustling Ganesh Visarjan festivities.
Authorities responded swiftly. The Crime Branch, supported by the Anti-Terrorism Squad and other agencies, launched a full investigation to trace the origin of the threat. Within hours, they pinpointed a suspect in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The arrested individual, a 51-year-old astrologer from Bihar, had been living in Noida for the past five years.
Investigators found that the accused had allegedly sent the threat in the name of a personal rival named Firoz—whom he blamed for instigating his three-month jail term in 2023 after a case was filed against him in Patna. In an effort to implicate Firoz, the suspect concocted the hoax using either his name or identity.
Police have confiscated his phone, SIM card, and other electronic devices. For now, he is being transported to Mumbai to face further questioning and legal proceedings. Authorities have emphasized that while the threat appears to be a hoax, they are treating it with utmost seriousness.
In response to the scare, Mumbai has bolstered its security presence with over 21,000 officers on duty during the immersion rituals. Officials have asked the public to remain calm, steering clear of rumors, and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
