The Mumbai Traffic Control Room received a bomb threat on Friday through its official WhatsApp number, warning of attacks during Anant Chaturdashi. The message, allegedly from Lashkar-e-Jihadi, claimed that 34 human bombs had been planted in vehicles across the city and 400 kg of RDX would be used in blasts.
Police said the sender also alleged that 14 Pakistani terrorists had entered India. Security has been tightened across Mumbai and the state, with officials urging citizens not to panic or spread rumours. The threat comes as the city prepares for the grand Ganesh Visarjan on Saturday, when lakhs of devotees will take part in processions, with special focus on the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja pandal.
Sharing details with the media, the police said, “Traffic Police in Mumbai received threats over their official WhatsApp number. In the threat, a claim has been made that 34 ‘human bombs’ have been planted in 34 vehicles across the city and the blast will shake entire Mumbai.”
Security Measures
In response, the Mumbai Police immediately stepped up security across the city and the state. Intensive checks, surveillance, and monitoring have been put in place to prevent any untoward incident. Authorities assured that “all angles of the threat are being investigated.” The police also urged residents not to fall prey to rumours and to promptly report any suspicious activities.
Ganesh Festival in Full Swing
The threat comes as Mumbai prepares for the grand conclusion of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of festivities, falls on Saturday, September 6, 2025, when lakhs of devotees will take part in processions and immersions of Ganesh idols across the city.
Special attention is being given to crowd management and security at the Lalbaugcha Raja pandal in south Mumbai, one of the most iconic Ganesh mandals in the country. The pandal has already attracted lakhs of visitors this year, including top celebrities and business leaders.
Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, along with Nita Ambani, offered prayers at Lalbaugcha Raja earlier this week. Bollywood stars such as Malaika Arora, Shilpa Shetty, Janhvi Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, and Anil Kapoor have also paid visits to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha during the festivities.
About Ganesh Chaturthi
The festival began on August 27 this year and is celebrated as the worship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and god of new beginnings. Families and community mandals welcomed idols with decorated pandals, prayers, devotional songs, and vibrant processions. The immersion on Anant Chaturdashi marks the symbolic return of Lord Ganesha to his celestial abode.
What is Lashkar-e-Jihadi?
There is no verified terrorist group officially known as Lashkar-e-Jihadi; the name used in the Mumbai threat message appears either fabricated or intended to create panic by resembling Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a Pakistan-based extremist group. Lashkar-e-Taiba, founded in the late 1980s, is a globally designated terrorist organisation responsible for major attacks in India, including the 2008 Mumbai attacks. Recognised as a threat by India, the US, the UN, and other international bodies, LeT seeks to annex Kashmir and has carried out multiple deadly assaults over the years. In contrast, “Lashkar-e-Jihadi” has no established history, network, or official recognition, and authorities are treating the message as a possible hoax or attempt to exploit the fear associated with LeT’s name.
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