Bomb hoax sparks panic in Mumbai; caller booked for spreading rumours

Panic gripped Mumbai on Monday after the city police's emergency helpline number 112 received a bomb threat. The threat, which was later confirmed to be a hoax, prompted a swift security response from law enforcement agencies.

According to officials, the caller — identified as Rajiv Singh — claimed he overheard someone in the Sir J.J. Marg area talking about a plan to bomb the city. 

Acting on the alert, Mumbai Police, along with the bomb detection and disposal squad, rushed to the location and conducted a thorough search.

Following a detailed sweep, the threat was declared false. 

Rajiv Singh was subsequently booked for spreading false information and creating public panic.

The incident comes just days after a series of similar threats targeted key locations across Mumbai. 

On Saturday, bomb threats were issued via email to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel — a site deeply etched in memory due to the 26/11 terror attacks.

The email, sent to the Mumbai Airport Police, referenced the execution of Afzal Guru, convicted in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, and warned of retaliatory bombings at the high-profile sites. 

It also mentioned another executed convict, S. Shankar.

Authorities immediately tightened security at the airport and the hotel, launching search operations with bomb squads and intensifying surveillance. Although no explosives were found, the explicit references in the email heightened concern among security agencies.Bomb hoax sparks panic in Mumbai; caller booked for spreading rumours