Mumbai, September 5: Mumbai police are on high alert after receiving a threat message claiming that 14 terrorists had entered the city with 400 kg of RDX and planted it in vehicles, officials said on Friday.
The message, received on Thursday through the traffic police control room’s WhatsApp helpline, named an organisation called “Lashkar-e-Jihadi” and warned that the explosives had been placed in 34 vehicles with the intent to “shake the country,” the official said.
“The Crime Branch has launched an investigation into the threat, and the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and other agencies have been informed,” he added.
Authorities said the alert comes as Mumbai prepares for Anant Chaturthi, the 10th day of the Ganesh festival, when lakhs of devotees are expected to take to the streets on Saturday.
“While investigating the source of the message, we are taking all precautions to prevent any untoward incidents in the city. Security has been beefed up at key locations, and combing operations are underway at various spots,” the official said.
Police have appealed to citizens to avoid spreading rumours and urged them to immediately report any suspicious activity.
