Mumbai on High Alert After WhatsApp Blast Threat

The city has been placed on high alert after police received a WhatsApp message threatening multiple blasts on the eve of Anant Chaturthi, the final day of the 10-day Ganesh festival.

The message, sent to the traffic police control room on Thursday, claimed that “human bombs” had been planted in 34 vehicles across Mumbai. It further alleged that 14 Pakistani terrorists had entered India with plans to use 400 kilograms of RDX, warning that the attack could cause mass casualties.

The sender identified himself as a member of “Lashkar-e-Jihadi.”

Following the threat, Mumbai Police and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) launched a probe and stepped up security across the city. Senior officials assured the public that all possible measures are being taken.

“Our security forces can handle any threat. We are conducting thorough checks everywhere, from parking areas to basements. Nothing is being left unchecked,” a senior police officer told reporters.

Authorities have also urged residents to remain calm and not to fall prey to rumours.

The Ganesh festival is Mumbai’s most celebrated cultural event, drawing lakhs of devotees to the city streets for the grand immersion processions. With the culmination scheduled for tomorrow, police had already deployed heavy security, which has now been further intensified.