Mumbai on High Alert After Lashkar-e-Jihadi Bomb Threat During Ganesh Visarjan
Details of the Threat
According to police, the threat claimed that 34 “human bombs” had been planted inside vehicles across Mumbai and could be triggered during Anant Chaturdashi celebrations. The message also mentioned the use of 400 kilograms of RDX and the presence of 14 Pakistani terrorists who allegedly infiltrated India to carry out attacks.
Authorities described the communication as extremely serious, given its timing during the final day of Ganesh Chaturthi, which draws lakhs of devotees onto Mumbai’s streets for the grand immersion ceremonies.
Police Response and Security Measures
Mumbai Police Commissioner’s office confirmed that the matter is under active investigation. Security has been strengthened not just in Mumbai but also across Maharashtra. Key immersion spots, including Girgaon Chowpatty and Juhu Beach, are now under multi-layer surveillance with anti-sabotage checks and drone monitoring.
The police have urged citizens not to panic or spread rumours. “Every angle is being verified, and all intelligence inputs are being assessed. People should immediately report suspicious activity to the nearest police station,” an official appeal stated.
Ganesh Visarjan Preparations
The 10-day Ganesh festival, which began on August 27, will conclude on Saturday, September 6. Anant Chaturdashi, the day of Ganesh Visarjan, traditionally witnesses massive processions and immersion of idols in water bodies. Special traffic restrictions and crowd management plans have already been issued to ensure smooth conduct.
Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbai’s most iconic Ganesh idol, continues to attract lakhs of devotees daily. Enhanced barricading, metal detectors, and additional police personnel have been deployed at the pandal, given its prominence during the festival.
Celebrity and Public Participation
This year’s Ganeshotsav has seen visits from top industrialists, including Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani, along with Bollywood actors such as Varun Dhawan, Malaika Arora, Shilpa Shetty, Janhvi Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra, and Anil Kapoor. Their presence has further increased public attention on the festival, amplifying the need for heightened vigilance.
Appeal for Calm
While the origin of the threat remains under scrutiny, security agencies are treating it with utmost seriousness. Citizens have been reminded to stay alert but continue with the celebrations peacefully.
