Lagatar24 Desk
Mumbai: A 50-year-old man from Patna has been arrested in Noida for allegedly sending a WhatsApp message to the Mumbai Police, threatening multiple blasts during Ganesh festival celebrations. The message, claiming that 14 Pakistani terrorists had entered the city with 400 kilograms of RDX planted in 34 vehicles, triggered a massive security alert across Mumbai.
Accused Identified and Arrested
The accused, Ashwinikumar Sureshkumar Supra, an astrologer and trader, was arrested from Noida Sector 79 after police tracked him through surveillance and CCTV footage from a local grocery shop. He had switched off his mobile phone after sending the message. Another person from Sorakha village was also arrested for providing the SIM card used to send the threat. Ashwinikumar is reportedly going through a separation from his wife.
Police Response and Security Measures
The threat message, which mentioned the name of ‘Lashkar-e-Jihadi,’ was sent to the Mumbai traffic police’s helpline on Thursday, just as the city was preparing for Anant Chaturdashi idol immersions. Joint Commissioner CP Rajiv Narayan Mishra coordinated with Noida Police, and a SWAT team carried out the arrest. Authorities suspect the threat to be a hoax but are continuing investigations with the help of technical analysis.
City on High Alert During Ganesh Immersions
Over 21,000 police personnel have been deployed in Mumbai to maintain law and order during the immersion processions. The Anti-Terrorism Squad has also been alerted. Police officials have appealed to residents to stay calm, avoid rumours, and report any suspicious activity as lakhs of devotees are expected to take part in the festivities.
