Security has been significantly tightened at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters after mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde's official email account received a fresh bomb threat warning of possible attacks ahead of Independence Day celebrations.
According to Mumbai Police, the threatening email claimed that bomb blasts would take place in Mumbai before August 15 and listed several potential targets, including the Mayor's office, the BMC headquarters, Mumbai Metro stations, schools and the stock market. The message also reportedly contained pro-Khalistan slogans and the names of certain individuals. It warned people against sending children to school or using the Metro.
A senior police official said the email specifically referred to disrupting Mumbai and the Independence Day celebrations scheduled for August 15.
"The email stated that they plan to stop Mumbai and the celebrations that take place on August 15. We are investigating the matter," the official said.
Following the threat, Mumbai Police, along with the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) and dog squads, launched extensive search operations at the BMC headquarters, the Mayor's office and other locations mentioned in the email.
Security has been strengthened across major civic installations, with additional police personnel deployed as a precaution. Authorities have installed stricter access controls at the BMC headquarters, where visitors are being thoroughly screened before entry.
Officials have also prohibited unnecessary gatherings inside the civic building. Individuals without official work are being asked to leave the premises to ensure smooth security operations.
Videos shared on social media showed a heavy police presence outside the BMC headquarters as bomb disposal teams conducted detailed inspections inside the administrative building.
Police have launched an investigation to trace the sender of the email. Cyber crime officials are examining the email's IP address, source and other digital evidence to determine its origin.
Authorities are also verifying whether the latest threat is linked to previous emails received by the Mayor's office.
"This is not the first time such a threat has been received. We are checking if the sender is the same person and will take appropriate legal action," police officials said.
This is the third bomb threat email sent to Mayor Ritu Tawde's office. Earlier, on June 10, similar threats prompted authorities to increase security at the BMC headquarters.
Following the earlier incident, metal detectors were installed at key entry points, visitor screening was intensified and access to sensitive areas within the civic headquarters was restricted.
The June threat had also mentioned the BMC headquarters, the Mayor's office and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), leading to comprehensive searches by police and bomb disposal teams. No explosives were found during those operations.
As investigations continue, Mumbai Police have appealed to citizens not to panic or spread rumours. Officials said all reported locations have been thoroughly inspected and no suspicious objects have been recovered so far.
Security agencies remain on high alert as a precaution ahead of Independence Day celebrations, while efforts continue to identify the person responsible for sending the threatening email.