Mumbai Police arrested a 51 year old astrologer from Noida on Saturday morning for allegedly sending a WhatsApp message claiming that several human bombs would be deployed to attack the city. The accused has been identified as Ashwini Kumar, a native of Patliputra Colony in Patna, who has been residing with his parents in Sector 79, Noida since 2020.
During the search, police recovered seven mobile phones, three SIM cards, six memory card holders, two digital cards, one external SIM slot and four additional SIM holders from his possession. Officials stated that Kumar had used his friend’s name while sending the message in an attempt to implicate him in a terror related case. They added that the accused was earlier jailed for three months in 2023 after the same friend from Bihar filed a complaint against him at the Phulwari Sharif police station in Patna.
The threatening message alleged that “human bombs” loaded with 400 kilograms of RDX had been planted in 34 vehicles across Mumbai, with the intention of triggering blasts powerful enough to shake the city. Police confirmed that security arrangements throughout the state were stepped up immediately after receiving the message, and multiple angles of the threat are under investigation.
An officer explained that the police helpline often receives such alarming messages from unknown numbers. In many cases, they turn out to be hoaxes sent by people dealing with psychological issues or those under the influence of alcohol.
According to the FIR lodged against Ashwini Kumar, the real motive behind the threat was his desire to take revenge on his friend who had earlier been responsible for his imprisonment.