Mumbai – The Mumbai Police have stepped up security after receiving a WhatsApp threat message claiming that 14 terrorists entered the city with 400 kg of RDX planted in multiple vehicles, an official confirmed on Friday.
The message, sent to the traffic police control room on Thursday, mentioned an outfit called Lashkar-e-Jihadi. The sender alleged that explosives had been placed in 34 vehicles across the city, with plans for blasts intended to “shake the country.”
The threat comes as Mumbai gears up for Anant Chaturthi, the concluding day of the Ganesh festival, when lakhs of devotees gather on the streets for idol immersions. Security arrangements were already in place for the festivities, but police have now intensified vigilance.
The Crime Branch has launched a probe into the origin of the message, while the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and other central agencies have been alerted. Combing operations are underway at sensitive locations, and checkpoints have been tightened across the city.
Officials said extra precautions are being taken to avoid any untoward incident. They also appealed to residents not to fall for rumours and to promptly report any suspicious activity.
