Mumbai bomb scare: Crime Branch arrests 50-year-old man from Noida; security tightened

NEW DELHI: The Crime Branch has arrested a 50-year-old man, Ashwin Kumar Supra, from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly issuing bomb blast threats in Mumbai. Police said the accused, originally from Bihar, was traced through the phone and SIM card used to send the threats, both of which have been seized.

Supra is being brought to Mumbai for further questioning.The arrest came after the Mumbai Traffic Police’s WhatsApp helpline received a threatening message on Thursday, claiming that 14 terrorists had entered the city with 400 kg of RDX planted in 34 vehicles. The message arrived on Thursday while police were preparing security arrangements for Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of the Ganesh festival, scheduled for Saturday.

The sender identified their organization as 'Lashkar-e-Jihadi' in the threatening message.

The Crime Branch has initiated an investigation, with the Anti-Terrorism Squad and other agencies being informed of the situation."This is the same traffic police WhatsApp helpline on which police had received threat messages in the past, which later turned out to be hoaxes. The Crime Branch has launched an investigation, and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and other agencies have also been informed," a police official stated.

A case has been registered at Worli police station against an unidentified person under section 351 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and sub-sections 2,3, and 4."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," another official said.While authorities believe the threat may be a hoax, they are conducting technical analysis to trace the message source. The police are taking maximum precautions due to the expected high footfall during the festival.More than 21,000 police personnel will be deployed across Mumbai to maintain law and order during the idol immersions. Lakhs of people are expected to participate in the immersion of Lord Ganesh idols in the sea, other water bodies, and artificial ponds on Saturday.The police are particularly vigilant as the threat coincides with Anant Chaturdashi, the 10th day of the Ganesh festival, when large crowds gather for the final immersion ceremonies.