Mumbai | September 6, 2025 : A man has been arrested in Noida for allegedly sending a threatening message to the Mumbai Police about “human bomb” blasts across the city during the ongoing Ganesh festival. The message, which sparked massive security concerns, had claimed that 14 terrorists had entered Mumbai with 400 kilograms of RDX planted in 34 vehicles.

The threat was received on Thursday on the traffic police’s WhatsApp helpline. With the city preparing for Anant Chaturdashi on Saturday, when lakhs of devotees would gather for Ganesh idol immersions, the message immediately triggered high-alert measures.

The Arrest in Noida

Sources identified the sender as Ashwini, who was traced with the help of technical surveillance. Following leads, the Mumbai Police contacted Noida Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh for assistance. A special team was formed, and Ashwini was taken into custody in Noida.

Preliminary investigations suggest the threat may have been a hoax. However, officials are carrying out detailed technical analysis to verify the source and intent behind the message. The Mumbai Police also confirmed that the sender had mentioned the name of an organisation called Lashkar-e-Jihadi in the threat.

Police Response and Security Measures

“Traffic police have received such threat messages in the past. There is no need to panic. Security has been beefed up at key locations, and combing operations are underway,” a senior officer said, urging Mumbaikars not to believe in rumours and to immediately report any suspicious activity.

A case has been registered at Worli police station under Section 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and sub-sections 2, 3, and 4.

Ganesh Festival Security

With lakhs of devotees expected to throng Mumbai’s streets for idol immersions on Saturday, more than 21,000 police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order. Security arrangements include surveillance at immersion points, sea patrols, and crowd management measures to prevent untoward incidents.

While police strongly suspect the threat to be false, they are taking maximum precautions given the scale of the festival. “We are not leaving anything to chance,” an officer added.

The arrest of the accused has brought some relief, but investigations continue to ensure there are no security lapses during one of Mumbai’s largest religious gatherings.