The Maharashtra Police Control Room on Tuesday received an anonymous email warning about possible blasts in the next two days. The sender of the email did not specify the location or timing of the blasts but urged the authorities not to ignore the message.
The message was forwarded to the Mumbai Police, who are currently probing the matter and trying to trace the sender. The threat email reportedly stated that a bomb blast could occur either within the state or outside it over the next three days.
As investigations into the email threat continue, Mumbai Police have urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant, and to report any suspicious activity immediately to the authorities.
Blast warning comes amid tensed India-Pakistan situation
The warning comes at a time when national security has been tightened, amid a tensed war-like situation between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22 where 26 civilians were killed. Even though both countries have agreed to a ceasefire, Indian authorities remain alert as Pakistan violated the ceasefire multiple times which was initially announced on the evening of May 10.
In such a situation, security has been beefed up across major metropolitan cities, including Mumbai, with additional checks at airports, railway stations, and other vital installations. Flight operations in several parts of the country have also been impacted as part of precautionary measures.
Notably, Mumbai Police have received similar threat emails in the past. In some cases, pranksters have been arrested, and in some cases, individuals under the influence of alcohol have also been taken into custody for sending hoax threats. The authenticity of the current email is now under scrutiny, and authorities have assured strict action once the sender is traced.
Maharashtra CM enhancing security in Mumbai and state
On Monday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis held a high-level meeting with top officials from the armed forces and other security agencies. During the meeting, the Chief Minister assured that the state government would ensure close coordination with the armed forces and work jointly to maintain law and order. He emphasised the continued need for alertness across the state and its coastal areas in the wake of India-Pakistan tensions.
“Mumbai city is very crucial. It is the financial capital of India… Even in the past when terrorists attacked Mumbai, it was to show that they could attack the country’s economic capital,” CM Fadnavis said, emphasising that it was vital to share information, besides taking extraordinary care to tackle threats to cybersecurity.
“The deliberations focused on intelligence-sharing, technological surveillance, and robust precautionary strategies to thwart any possible threats,” read an official statement from the CMO.
Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar were also present at the meeting with defence officials held at Varsha, the chief minister’s residence in Mumbai, amid the ceasefire between the two nations.
Lieutenant General Pawan Chadha, Colonel Sandeep Seal, Rear Admiral Anil Jaggi from the Indian Navy, Naval Commander Nitesh Garg, Air Vice Marshal Rajat Mohan represented Defence Forces at the meeting, while State Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik attended along with officers from the police, state administration and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
