A shocking development unfolded ahead of Ganesh Visarjan 2025, as a 50-year-old man was arrested in Noida for allegedly sending a message to the Mumbai Police threatening multiple blasts aimed at “killing 1 crore people” in the city. This message created panic just as Mumbai was gearing up for one of its largest annual religious events, Ganesh Visarjan, which marks the conclusion of the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.
Another person was also detained for allegedly providing his SIM card to the accused, which was used to send the threatening message via the official Mumbai Traffic Police WhatsApp helpline on Thursday.
Who is Ashwini?
Ashwini, the man arrested in Noida for sending a hoax bomb threat to the Mumbai Police, is a 50-year-old resident of Bihar. Very little personal information is publicly available about his life. According to sources, Ashwini is currently undergoing a separation from his wife, which may have contributed to his troubled state of mind.
His background came into the spotlight after he allegedly sent a threatening message claiming that 14 Pakistani terrorists had entered Mumbai with 400 kg of RDX explosives planted in 34 vehicles. The message was sent to the Mumbai Traffic Police’s official WhatsApp helpline during the busy preparations for Anant Chaturdashi, a major festival celebrated with large gatherings.
Ashwini went into hiding after sending the message and switched off his mobile phone. He was tracked down based on local intelligence, surveillance, and CCTV footage, including visuals from a grocery shop in Noida Sector 79. Following his arrest, he was handed over to the Mumbai Police for further investigation.
Police have not disclosed much about his early life, education, or occupation. The authorities are still probing the motive behind sending such a false message and examining whether Ashwini acted alone or had any affiliations. For now, the case is registered under criminal intimidation, and further details are expected to emerge as investigations progress.
Background: The Importance of Ganesh Visarjan
Ganesh Visarjan is one of the most important events in Maharashtra and several other parts of India, celebrated with great devotion and public fervor. It marks the final day of Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha – the remover of obstacles and the god of wisdom. During this day, thousands of devotees gather in streets, carrying elaborate Ganesha idols in processions accompanied by music, dance, and chants, before immersing the idols in the sea, rivers, or artificial ponds.
Given the massive footfall and public gatherings, security arrangements are always on high alert, especially during sensitive times. This year’s Anant Chaturdashi immersion ritual falls on Saturday, September 6, 2025, which is expected to see unprecedented crowds, making it a challenging day for law enforcement agencies.
Terrifying Threat Details
The alarming message claimed that 14 Pakistani terrorists had entered Mumbai carrying 400 kilograms of RDX explosives, with bombs hidden in 34 different vehicles. The timing of the threat raised immediate concerns, as the city’s security forces were already in place for the Visarjan processions. The message led to intense police action and security reinforcement across key areas.
Arrest and Investigation
The accused, identified as Ashwini, a 50-year-old man from Bihar, went into hiding by switching off his phone after sending the threat. However, based on local intelligence, surveillance, and CCTV footage from a grocery shop in Noida Sector 79, authorities tracked him down. Ashwini was arrested and handed over to Mumbai Police for further questioning.
Sources revealed that Ashwini is reportedly undergoing a personal crisis as he is in the process of separating from his wife. Whether this had any connection to the threat is still under investigation.
The arrest came after Mumbai Police Joint Commissioner CP Rajiv Narayan Mishra worked closely with Noida Police Commissioner Laxmi Singh. A Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was specifically formed to arrest the suspect.
Lashkar-e-Jihadi Mentioned in Threat
A senior police officer stated, “Traffic police have received such bomb threats in the past. There is no need to panic. Security has been beefed up at key locations, and combing operations are underway. Mumbaikars are urged not to believe in rumors and report any suspicious activity.”
The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has been actively involved in tracing the technical source of the message to determine whether it was a hoax or a real threat. Despite indications that the message may be fake, the police are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness, given the massive public turnout expected during the Visarjan.
Case Registered and Security Deployment
A formal case has been registered at Worli Police Station under Section 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant sub-sections. To ensure public safety, over 21,000 police personnel have been deployed throughout Mumbai to manage the massive crowds and maintain order.
As millions of devotees take to the streets to bid farewell to Lord Ganesh by immersing the idols, the police continue their vigil, urging people to stay calm and report anything suspicious. The incident highlights the critical need for vigilance during large public gatherings, especially when threats, real or hoax, could cause panic or harm.
Also Read: Lashkar-e-Jihadi Issues Threat Ahead of Anant Chaturdashi, Mumbai on Alert
