An email was received by Mumbai police on Friday alleging that explosive devices had been planted at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) and the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. Following comprehensive searches at both locations, no bombs were found, and the threat was confirmed to be a hoax.
The message was noticed at approximately 5:30 pm by Constable Mahesh Kadam, who is assigned to the Airport police station. Upon discovery of the email, his seniors were immediately informed, and the prescribed security protocol was enacted. Both the airport terminals and the hotel premises were then subjected to meticulous inspections lasting about an hour, during which no suspicious items were detected. Charges have been registered against the unidentified sender under sections 353 (public mischief), 351 (criminal intimidation), and 125 (endangering human life or personal safety) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. A case file is being maintained by investigators, and efforts are under way to ascertain the individual responsible for the false warning.
In the email, it was asserted that “Explosively Formed Projectiles” were strategically positioned over the preceding weekend to mark what was described as the unjust execution of Afzal Guru, the 2001 Parliament attack convict, and YouTuber Savukku Shankar, who is still alive. It was further claimed that the devices had been engineered in a mechanical department using locally sourced materials and that authorities were being challenged to conduct a rescue operation “in the name of our Almighty.”
Demands for the withdrawal of ongoing legal actions were also included in the hoax message. Specific references were made to a drug smuggling case against film producer Jaffar Saddiq and a money laundering investigation involving Indian Police Service officer Jaffar Sait, both of which the sender insisted should be dropped. Investigative teams have noted that the email was addressed to the Maharashtra chief minister and the inspector of the local police station. Forensic analysis of the email header is being pursued to trace its origin. Statements have been issued by senior police officials confirming that standard operating procedures were followed and that no security lapse had occurred.
The incident coincided with a period of elevated security in Mumbai, which had recently been placed on high alert due to increased tensions between India and Pakistan. Enhanced surveillance measures had already been implemented at key infrastructure points across the city. Authorities have emphasized that public safety will continue to be prioritized and that any individual found to be responsible for instigating fear through such malicious communications will face strict legal consequences. The investigation remains ongoing, with periodic updates to be provided as new information becomes available.