Noida Man Arrested Over Fake Mumbai Bomb Threat

A 50-year-old man named Ashwin Kumar Supra from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested for sending a threatening message to Mumbai Police, claiming that 34 vehicles in the city were rigged with “human bombs” carrying 400 kilograms of RDX explosives. The message also warned that 14 Pakistani terrorists had entered Mumbai to carry out attacks during the Anant Chaturdashi celebrations, the last day of the popular Ganesh festival, when millions gather for idol immersions. The police quickly traced the threat to Ashwin using the phone and SIM card from which the message was sent and seized these devices for further investigation. He is being taken to Mumbai for questioning.

The threat, sent via WhatsApp to the official Mumbai Traffic Police helpline on September 4, claimed that explosions could kill “up to one crore people” and urged caution. The sender identified themselves as a group called "Lashkar-e-Jihadi," alleging infiltration by Pakistani terrorists. Mumbai Police immediately placed the city on high alert and increased security measures, deploying over 21,000 personnel for crowd control and safety during the festival.

However, police sources suggested the message is likely a hoax. Past similar threats messaging the same helpline turned out false. The investigation is ongoing to determine the sender’s motive, which reports indicate involved personal reasons. Police revealed that Ashwin, who works as an astrologer and originally comes from Bihar, sent the threat falsely identifying himself as another person to frame a friend due to a past dispute.

The incident highlights a significant challenge law enforcement faces in the digital age. Threats sent anonymously or under false identities can alarm large populations and stretch police resources. While the threat turned out untrue, precautionary security measures were necessary to protect public safety during a major cultural event that naturally involves large crowds.

It is important for the public to stay calm and rely on official information, especially during sensitive times. Mumbai Police have urged citizens not to believe rumors and report any suspicious activity promptly. The quick response and collaboration between Mumbai and Noida police demonstrate how agencies are prepared to act against such threats swiftly, sharpening intelligence and technical tracing efforts.

In a wider perspective, the case serves as a reminder of the impact hoax threats can have on social stability and the need for strong cyber monitoring. While freedom of expression is vital, spreading false terror threats causes panic and can harm innocent individuals' reputation and lives. Society and authorities must balance vigilance with measured, transparent communication to maintain public trust during crises.

Overall, the arrest of Ashwin Kumar Supra brings relief but also points to ongoing challenges in addressing fake terror threats. It underscores the importance of responsible use of communication platforms and the vigilance required to secure public safety in an age of digital misinformation.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies