New Delhi: The Mumbai Police Crime Branch detained an individual from the Virar area late Saturday night during its probe connected to the message threatening a ‘26/11-type’ attack. Several text messages were received by the Mumbai Traffic Police's control room on the WhatsApp number of its helpline line threatening a similar attack. Maharashtra's deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Mumbai police said on Saturday they have taken the threat "very seriously".
Mumbai Police Crime Branch detained a person from the Virar area late Saturday night in connection with a "26/11-like" terrorist attack threat, news agency ANI reported.
As per ANI, the message was received from a Pakistan-based number threatening police that six people will execute the attack in India. The Mumbai Police initiated a probe on an immediate basis, as per the agency sources that added that security agencies have been put on alert.
The threat on WhatsApp message warned of reviving memories of the attacks on November 26, 2008 in which Pakistan terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out several strikes across Mumbai.
The incident comes after a security situation evolved on Thursday as a boat carrying AK 47, rifles, guns, and ammunition was found on the Harihareshwar beach in the Raigad district of the state. Soon after the boat’s recovery, Maharashtra Police has been asked to stay vigilant.
Fadnavis informed that the boat belongs to an Australian citizen. “Boat’s engine broke out in the sea, people were rescued by a Korean boat. It has now reached Harihareshwar beach. Keeping in mind the coming festive season, police and the administration have been instructed to be prepared,” he said.
The deadly terrorist attack on November 26, 2008, left hundreds of people dead including 18 security personnel and injured several others in Mumbai after 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists from Pakistan arrived by sea route and opened fire at victims.
Nine terrorists were later killed by the security forces, including the NSG, the country’s elite commando force. Ajmal Kasab was the only terrorist who was captured alive. He was hanged four years later on November 21, 2012.