Mumbai on High Alert After Lashkar-e-Jihadi Claims RDX Attack Plan

Mumbai Police has stepped up security across the city after receiving a chilling threat linked to a little-known group called Lashkar-e-Jihadi. According to the police, a call made to the city’s traffic helpline on Friday claimed that 34 “human bombs” carrying 400 kilograms of RDX had been planted in cars at various locations.

The threat coincided with Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, when lakhs of devotees gather across Mumbai for Ganesh idol immersions (visarjan).

The Threat Call and Its Claims

The caller reportedly warned that the explosives were placed in 34 vehicles across Mumbai, with the intention of triggering blasts powerful enough to “shake the entire city.” The message further claimed that the attack could kill “one crore people.”

Although the Mumbai Police has not confirmed the authenticity of the threat, officers have taken it seriously, given the timing of the warning and its potential to cause mass panic during crowded religious processions.

A senior police official said, “Every single threat, whether credible or not, is dealt with as real until proved otherwise. With large crowds on the streets for visarjan, we are leaving nothing to chance.”

Security Measures Across Mumbai

Following the call, the Mumbai Police initiated a citywide security sweep. The Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) have been deployed at sensitive locations, including religious sites, major roads, railway stations, and airports.

Checkpoints have been set up across arterial roads. Vehicles are being thoroughly inspected, and additional surveillance has been activated in coastal areas and high-traffic zones.

The Maharashtra Home Department has also directed police units across the state to remain on alert until the festival concludes.

Past Incidents of Hoax Threats

This is not the first time Mumbai has faced such warnings in recent months.

• July 25, 2024 – A call threatened to blow up Terminal 2 of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. No explosives were found after a detailed search.
• August 22, 2024 – An email threatened to bomb the ISKCON Temple in Girgaon. The BDDS cleared the premises after inspection, declaring the warning a hoax.
• September 2024 – A similar threat email was sent again to the same temple.
• Earlier this week – A 43-year-old man was arrested for calling the police and claiming that a bomb was planted at Kalwa railway station in Thane. That too was a false alarm.
   

These repeated hoax calls have forced the police to tread cautiously. Each alert, genuine or not, diverts manpower and resources, but officials maintain that public safety remains their highest priority.
 

A City Balancing Faith and Security

Ganesh Chaturthi, one of Mumbai’s most celebrated festivals, draws millions of devotees onto the streets. While the visarjan processions are marked by colour, music, and devotion, they also pose unique challenges for law enforcement.

With massive gatherings across Girgaon Chowpatty, Juhu, and Powai, even a rumour of a security threat can create panic. The bomb threat timed with Anant Chaturdashi has therefore added an extra layer of complexity for the authorities.
 

Police Appeal to Citizens

Mumbai Police has urged residents to remain calm but vigilant. Citizens are advised to immediately report any suspicious vehicles, objects, or behaviour to the nearest police officer or helpline.

An official statement said, “Mumbaikars have always stood united in times of crisis. We request people to cooperate with security checks and avoid spreading unverified information on social media.”
 

Conclusion

While the authenticity of the Lashkar-e-Jihadi threat is yet to be confirmed, Mumbai Police is treating the matter with utmost seriousness. In a city that has faced terror in the past, the balance between public celebration and public safety is delicate.

For now, the police continue their round-the-clock vigil, ensuring that the city’s devotion to Lord Ganesha can be expressed without fear.