Mumbai on High Alert: 14 Pakistani Terrorists Enter India With 400 Kg RDX, Security Agencies on Edge

Mumbai, India’s bustling financial hub, is once again on edge after receiving a chilling terror threat that has prompted city-wide security alerts. The message, allegedly sent to the traffic police control room via WhatsApp, claimed that 14 terrorists had infiltrated the city with 400 kilograms of RDX and planted explosives in 34 vehicles.

The threat coincides with the great celebrations of Anant Chaturthi, the last day of the 10-day Ganesh festival, when thousands of devotees flock to the streets for visarjan procession.

For a city that has faced multiple terror attacks in the past, such threats cannot be taken lightly, especially during a time of mass gatherings.

The Threat That Shook Mumbai’s Security Forces

According to police sources, the message cited an organization called Lashkar-e-Jihadi and warned that the planned explosions would "shake the country." Although investigators are currently investigating the message's legitimacy, the timing of the threat has caused anxiety. With millions anticipated to attend Ganesh Chaturthi festivities, the risk of panic or disturbance cannot be overlooked.

The Mumbai Crime Branch, Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and central intelligence agencies have been tasked with determining the message's origin. Combing activities are ongoing in vulnerable places, and vehicles parked in congested areas are being extensively inspected. Authorities have also asked individuals to be watchful, avoid spreading rumors, and report any suspicious behavior immediately.

Lashkar-e-Jihadi: Myth, Mistaken Identity, or Emerging Threat?”

There is no credible record of a terror outfit called Lashkar-e-Jihadi; the name seems to surface only in isolated claims or threats, not in recognized security databases. It is often confused with two established groups. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), founded in Pakistan in the early 1990s, is one of the most notorious jihadist organizations, known for deadly attacks like the 2006 Mumbai train bombings and the 2008 Mumbai terror siege. Guided by a hardline Islamist ideology, LeT has deep links with Jamaat-ud-Dawa and was allegedly backed by Pakistan’s ISI, though it is now banned worldwide. The second, Lashkar-e-Islam (LeI), emerged in 2004 in Pakistan’s Khyber region. Initially led by Mufti Munir Shakir, it later aligned with the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and engaged in insurgency across the tribal belt and parts of Afghanistan. In short, “Lashkar-e-Jihadi” appears more like a borrowed label than a genuine, organized militant faction.

Terrorism and Mumbai: A Painful History

Mumbai has a painful history with terrorism, making every such threat even more concerning. The city has faced some of the deadliest attacks in India, each leaving deep scars on its people and shaping the country’s security apparatus.

1993, the Mumbai serial blasts

In 1993, the Mumbai serial blasts killed more than 250 people and injured over 700. A total of 12 coordinated explosions ripped through key financial and commercial hubs, including the Bombay Stock Exchange and the Air India building. The attacks, orchestrated by Dawood Ibrahim’s D-Company, were in retaliation to communal tensions triggered by the Babri Masjid demolition.

The 2003 and 2006 twin blasts at the Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar

The 2003 twin blasts at the Gateway of India and Zaveri Bazaar claimed more than 50 lives, shaking the very heart of Mumbai’s commercial trade. Then in 2006, a series of train bombings carried out using pressure-cooker IEDs killed 189 and injured over 800 within 11 minutes, exposing the vulnerability of one of the world’s busiest suburban railway networks.

Biggest Aattak 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008

The most harrowing, however, was the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks in 2008, when ten heavily armed Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives laid siege to the city for four days. Iconic landmarks such as the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, Oberoi Trident, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and Leopold Café became battlegrounds, leaving 174 dead and more than 300 injured.

Even after heightened security and intelligence reforms post-26/11, Mumbai faced another tragedy in 2011, when coordinated blasts in Zaveri Bazaar, Opera House, and Dadar claimed over 20 lives. Each of these attacks has permanently etched fear and resilience into the city’s psyche.

Why This Threat Matters During Ganesh Festival

Ganesh Chaturthi is not only Mumbai's largest cultural celebration, but also the busiest period for public areas. Visarjan Day, particularly Anant Chaturdashi, draws lakhs of devotees to Girgaum Chowpatty, Juhu Beach, and other immersion places.

The practicalities of overseeing large crowds provide a significant issue for the Mumbai Police, necessitating meticulous traffic diversions, barricading, and continuous crowd surveillance. Adding a terrorist threat complicates everything significantly. Even a false alert could cause panic, resulting in stampedes or chaos during religious events.

Security Response and Citizen Role

To counter the threat, security has been tightened at railway stations, bus depots, markets, and iconic landmarks. Anti-sabotage squads and sniffer dogs have been deployed, while CCTV surveillance and drone monitoring have been intensified. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) are on standby at key immersion sites to respond instantly to any incident.

The police have also urged Mumbaikars to practice alert citizenship. In a city as densely populated as Mumbai, the eyes and ears of ordinary people can often be more effective than cameras. From reporting unattended bags to identifying unusual behavior in public areas, community vigilance is an indispensable pillar of counterterrorism measures.

Lessons From Past Attacks

India's security strategies have evolved with each incident, but experts maintain that readiness must be both technological and human. While intelligence sharing between state and central agencies has improved, monitoring encrypted communication channels remains difficult, especially when threats are increasingly issued.

At the same time, the resilience of Mumbai’s citizens has always stood out. The ability of the city to return to normalcy after every tragedy—whether in 1993, 2006, or 2008—has become part of its identity. However, resilience should not lead to complacency. Citizens, authorities, and security agencies must continue to work together to prevent history from repeating itself.

Moving Forward

As investigations into the most recent threat continue, the necessity for calm, alertness, and togetherness becomes increasingly apparent. The Mumbai Police have stated that all required precautions are being taken, however responsibility is shared. In a holiday that represents trust, prosperity, and the removal of hurdles, it is critical that the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi is not obscured by fear.

The next few days will put Mumbai's security systems and its inhabitants' patience to the test. However, as history indicates, the city has always come out stronger. Whether the danger is real or a hoax, it has once again highlighted the need of preparation, trust in institutions, and Mumbai's resilient spirit.

Spacial note fit for you guy's 🙏💖📰

On this auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, we all welcome Bappa. This festival gives us the message of unity, devotion and brotherhood. But at the same time, this is also the time to be cautious. In view of the recent threats, all of you are requested to be vigilant in crowded areas, immediately inform the police about any suspicious activity and do not pay attention to rumours. Let us all celebrate this festival of Bappa in a happy and safe environment. Ganpati Bappa Morya, Mangalmoorti Morya! 🙏✨"**

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. The information provided here is based on publicly available sources and agency reports. Readers are encouraged to verify details from official government and law enforcement updates for complete accuracy.