The Mumbai Police Crime Branch arrested 50-year-old Ashwinikumar Sureshkumar Supra from Noida for allegedly sending a bomb threat claiming over 400 kgs of RDX and 34 human bombs were planted in Mumbai. The anonymous message warned of a large-scale terror attack by Pakistani terrorists ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Preliminary investigations suggest the threats were a hoax to create panic. Ashwinikumar will be produced in a Mumbai court. Police have maintained heightened security during this period and continue investigating.
Mumbai Bomb Threat Sparks City-Wide Security Alert
A chilling bomb threat sent anonymously to the Mumbai Traffic Police sparked intense police action across the city on September 4, 2025. The message claimed more than 400 kgs of explosive RDX had been placed in 34 vehicles across Mumbai, with the involvement of “34 human bombs” and 14 Pakistani terrorists planning to target crowded Ganesh Chaturthi festival events. The threat created widespread alarm, leading to mass mobilisation of over 21,000 security personnel to monitor high-risk areas.
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch swiftly coordinated with Noida authorities and traced the message to 50-year-old Ashwinikumar Sureshkumar Supra. He was arrested at his residence in Sector 113, Noida. Police seized his mobile and SIM card, which were used for sending the threatening messages. A senior police official said, “Preliminary evidence suggests the messages are hoax threats meant to cause panic and mischief, but we are carrying out a detailed probe.”
Heightened Vigilance Amid Ganesh Chaturthi Festivities
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of Mumbai’s most significant festivals, marked by large-scale public gatherings and immersion processions. Given the potential threat, police heightened surveillance and patrolling in crowded localities and transit hubs. Multiple combing operations and the deployment of bomb disposal squads took place in vulnerable zones. Police appealed to residents to remain calm but vigilant, reporting any suspicious activity immediately.
In recent years, Mumbai has witnessed several similar hoax threats, including false bomb alarms and misdirected emergency calls. Authorities have been using advanced cyber forensic tools and collaborative intelligence-sharing to quickly identify such calls’ origins and prevent any potential harm.
Psychological and Social Impact of Hoax Threats on Public Safety
While no credible threat was found this time, the psychological toll on citizens and the disruptions caused by false alarms are significant. Emergency services often need to divert critical resources to assess and neutralise these threats, delaying response times to real emergencies.
Responsible communication and mutual support from citizens can help prevent the spread of misinformation. Social media literacy and prompt reporting of suspicious messages to authorities are key tools in countering fake terror threats. The society must collectively uphold peace and avoid actions that might unduly frighten or alienate fellow citizens.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian urges communities, law enforcement agencies, and social media platforms to collaborate constructively to address the menace of hoax terror threats. Building resilient communities means promoting kindness, empathy, and meaningful dialogue even in the face of adversity. Awareness drives around emergency preparedness and the importance of verifying news before sharing can also reduce panic.
