Police say threat message wrongly linked Muslims and Pakistan to terrorism; attempts to spread hatred during festivals condemned
NEW DELHI — Mumbai Police have arrested a Hindu businessman from Bihar for sending a hoax terror threat ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, a move which officials and community leaders say was designed to create panic and wrongly implicate Muslims.
The accused, identified as Ashwini Kumar Supra, was detained in Noida’s Sector 79 after he sent a threatening WhatsApp message to the Mumbai Traffic Police helpline. In the message, dated 4 September, he falsely claimed that “14 Pakistani terrorists had entered Mumbai in 34 vehicles carrying 400 kilograms of RDX, with the aim of killing one crore people.”
The message was sent in the name of an imaginary group, Lashkar-e-Jihadi, raising immediate suspicion that Muslims were being deliberately framed. Police sources said the threat forced them to launch a high-level alert across Mumbai, including sensitive Muslim areas, before the accused was traced and arrested.
Joint Police Commissioner Rajiv Narayan Mishra confirmed that the arrest was made with the assistance of Noida Police Commissioner Lakshmi Singh, after investigators tracked the accused through CCTV footage and technical surveillance. Another person who allegedly helped him procure a SIM card has also been taken into custody.
Police confirmed that Supra switched off his mobile phone after sending the message but was eventually tracked down. He now faces charges under serious sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Muslim leaders in Mumbai have reacted strongly to the news, pointing out that such fabricated threats are often used to spread communal hatred.
“This is not just a hoax, it is a calculated attempt to portray Muslims as terrorists,” said Maulana Saeed Qasmi, a senior cleric from Mumbai. “Every time there is a festival or big gathering, some mischief-maker tries to drag Muslims into false cases. The police must ensure no innocent Muslim is harassed because of such propaganda.”
Community activists said the timing of the hoax—just before Ganesh Chaturthi—was suspicious and dangerous. “People know that during festivals, emotions run high. By linking Muslims with terror at such a time, the accused was clearly trying to incite riots and hatred,” said Advocate Arshad Shaikh, a human rights lawyer.
Mumbai Police have assured that security has been tightened for Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations and urged citizens not to panic. An officer, speaking anonymously, said: “We have deployed extra forces across the city. People should celebrate without fear. The accused who spread this false threat is in custody.”
Muslim groups, however, said police must go beyond arresting individuals and investigate whether larger networks are encouraging such false propaganda.
“It is not enough to arrest one person. We want to know if there are political or communal groups backing such actions,” said Prof Nadeem Ansari, a social activist. “Indian Muslims have always lived peacefully, and it is wrong to malign us with fake terror threats.”
Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated with grandeur across Maharashtra, brings lakhs of devotees to Mumbai every year. While Muslims have always supported their Hindu neighbours during the festival, community members say incidents like this make them easy targets.
“We distribute water, manage traffic, and even operate medical camps during Ganesh processions. Muslims have always been part of the celebrations,” said Mohammed Irfan, a volunteer from Byculla. “Yet, one false message can turn suspicion on us. This is why such conspiracies must be condemned in the strongest terms.”
The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has been roped in to assist the probe, while legal proceedings continue against the accused. Muslim leaders have welcomed the swift police action but stressed that the real danger lies in the repeated misuse of terror allegations against their community.
“The biggest threat to peace is not Muslims,” said Maulana Qasmi. “It is the hatred manufactured by those who use religion for their selfish motives. This case is a reminder of how fragile communal harmony can be if lies are not stopped.”
