Accused Sent Hoax Message Claiming ‘400 kg RDX and 14 Terrorists’ in Mumbai Amid Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations
Key Highlights
- Suspect: 50-year-old Ashwinikumar Sureshkumar Supra from Patna
- Location of Arrest: Noida Sector 79
- Allegation: Threat message claiming mass bombings in Mumbai
- Motive: Still under investigation; hoax suspected
- Security: Over 21,000 police deployed in Mumbai for Ganesh idol immersion
Details of the Threat Message
A man from Patna was arrested in Noida for allegedly sending a hoax bomb threat to the Mumbai Police during the high-alert period of Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations. The message, sent via WhatsApp to the Mumbai Traffic Police, claimed:
- 400 kg of RDX was planted in 34 vehicles
- 14 Pakistani terrorists had entered Mumbai
- A plan to kill 1 crore people through multiple blasts
- The name of a terror group, ‘Lashkar-e-Jihadi’, was cited
Arrest and Investigation
Mumbai Police traced the message to Ashwinikumar Sureshkumar Supra, an astrologer and trader:
- Arrested in Sector 79, Noida, using local intelligence and CCTV footage
- Mobile phone was switched off to evade tracking
- A second individual was arrested for providing the SIM card used in the threat
- A Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was deployed for the arrest
- The suspect was handed over to Mumbai Police
Security Measures During Ganesh Festival
With Anant Chaturdashi marking the end of the 10-day festival, Mumbai Police ramped up security:
- 21,000+ personnel deployed across the city
- Combing operations launched in sensitive areas
- Coordination with Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS)
- Appeals made to citizens to stay calm and report suspicious activity
“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,” said a senior police officer.
Legal Action and Charges
A case has been registered at the Worli Police Station under:
- Section 351 (criminal intimidation) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Sub-sections 2, 3, and 4 (specifics under investigation)
Context & Public Advisory
- The bomb threat coincided with preparations for Ganesh idol immersions in Mumbai
- Police believe it may be a hoax, but are not taking any chances
- Citizens are urged to stay vigilant, avoid sharing unverified rumours, and cooperate with law enforcement
The incident highlights the need for heightened cyber surveillance and public awareness during major festivals. While the threat appears to be a false alarm, Mumbai Police continue to investigate the intention and source behind the message to ensure public safety.
Related News : Mumbai on High Alert After Bomb Threat via WhatsApp Ahead of Ganpati Visarjan
