Mumbai On Edge: Claim Of 34 ‘Human Bombs’ With ‘400 kg RDX’ Sparks Citywide Security Crackdown

Image via The Indian Express
Mumbai Police are on high alert after a threat message claimed that “34 human bombs” are in the city. The message also mentions “400 kg of RDX.” The source is not confirmed. The authenticity is not confirmed. But the police are treating it as serious. All units are on watch. Checks have increased across the city.
What The Threat Message Claims
The message uses alarming language. It speaks of “34 human bombs.” It says they are carrying “400 kg of RDX.” It hints at coordinated strikes. It suggests crowded locations as targets. It tries to spread fear and confusion.
Investigators are verifying the message. They are checking digital trails. They are studying the wording and format. They are comparing it with past threats. They are also checking links to known networks. They will update after the basic checks are done.
Mumbai Police Response: Fast, Visible, And Citywide
Mumbai Police have activated a high alert. Control rooms are staffed round the clock. Quick Response Teams are ready. Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads are deployed. Dog squads are scanning key sites.
Patrols have increased in all zones. There are more checkpoints at choke points. Random vehicle checks are in place. Foot patrols are heavier near markets and stations. CCTV feeds are monitored more closely. Drone support is being considered where allowed.
The Crime Branch is probing the message. The cyber cell is tracing the origin. The state Anti-Terrorism Squad is coordinating. Central agencies have been alerted. Joint meetings are being held to align the response.
Key Locations Under Tight Security
Security is tighter at high-footfall places:
- Railway and Metro stations
- Bus depots and intercity terminals
- Airports and approach roads
- Ports and coastal stretches
- Malls, cinemas, and markets
- Religious places and community halls
- Tourist spots and promenades
- Government offices and courts
- IT parks and business districts
- Schools, colleges, and hospitals
Entry checks are stricter. Bag screening has increased. Parking areas are under watch. Service lanes and basements are being checked. Some areas may see brief closures during sweeps.
Why The RDX Claim Raises Alarm
RDX is a powerful explosive. It has high destructive power for its weight. It is considered military-grade. Even small amounts can cause major damage if misused. The number “400 kg” in the message is very large. Police are planning for the worst case. They prefer to overprepare rather than underprepare.
Investigation: Tracing The Source Of The Threat
The probe has two tracks. One track is digital. The other track is on the ground.
On the digital side:
- The cyber team is tracing IP data
- They are checking VPN and proxy use
- They are scanning for linked accounts and devices
- They are matching the message with past hoaxes and threats
- They are working with telecom and platform teams as per law
On the ground:
- Teams are checking rentals taken with fake IDs
- They are verifying guesthouses and short stays near hubs
- They are watching scrap yards, garages, and warehouses
- They are scanning for stolen vehicles or altered plates
- They are checking markets for suspicious purchases linked to bomb precursors
Informant networks are active. Past dossiers are under review. Parole and recent release lists are checked. Nearby districts are on alert. Inter-state coordination is in motion.
Public Advisory: Stay Calm, Stay Alert, Report Quickly
Police have urged the public to stay calm. They want people to be alert, not afraid. Key advice:
- Do not touch unattended bags or boxes
- Call 100 or 112 if you see a suspicious item
- Inform security staff at stations and malls
- Report unusual behavior or wiring near public places
- Keep your ID handy at checkpoints
- Cooperate with bag checks and metal detectors
- Avoid large crowds if you see any unusual activity
- Do not share unverified messages or voice notes
- Follow only official police and government handles for updates
For housing societies and offices:
- Test CCTV cameras and recording
- Check access control and visitor logs
- Verify contractor and vendor IDs
- Keep fire exits and stairwells clear
- Brief guards on escalation steps and emergency numbers
- Share emergency contacts with residents and staff
Transport And Traffic: Expect Checks And Delays
Commuters should start early. Entry checks at stations may take time. Metro and suburban rail may have slower gates. Bus depots may run brief screenings. Cabs and autos may face random checks.
Car owners should expect boot checks. Two-wheelers may be stopped near junctions. Delivery riders should carry company ID. Fleet operators should brief drivers to cooperate. It will save time. It will reduce friction.
Hospitals, Schools, And Large Venues: Extra Vigilance
Hospitals have been advised to review security. Ambulance routes should be kept clear. Oxygen and critical drug stocks should be checked. Triage and emergency plans should be ready.
Schools and colleges should tighten gate control. Verify visitors. Keep student dispersal orderly. Avoid crowding near gates. Share emergency contact lists with staff.
Event venues, malls, and cinemas should:
- Increase bag checks at entry points
- Use hand-held detectors where available
- Watch parking lots and service corridors
- Keep staff posted at exits and stairwells
- Run a quick safety drill with the core team
Misinformation Watch: Do Not Feed Rumors
Threat news can create a rumor wave. Hoax voice notes can spread fast. Old videos can be shared as new. This can cause panic. It can also slow real work.
Do not forward unknown messages. Do not share unverified “alerts.” Check the source first. Follow verified accounts of Mumbai Police and state agencies. Wait for official statements before reacting to viral posts.
Community Role: Local Eyes And Ears Matter
Community groups can help. Housing societies can set up volunteer watches at gates. Market associations can watch loading zones. Taxi, auto, and bus unions can flag unusual routes or cargo. Fisherfolk and coastal communities can monitor creeks and jetties. College volunteers can support awareness in campuses. This network often spots early signs. It also builds trust with the police.
Security Layers: How Visible And Hidden Measures Work
Security works in layers. Some layers are visible. Some are not. Visible checks deter attackers. Patrols and pickets create uncertainty. Random checks break patterns. Metal detectors and scanners raise the bar.
Hidden layers add depth. Plainclothes teams blend in. Surveillance tracks movement. License plate readers watch vehicles. Data analysis finds patterns. Quick response teams cut reaction time. Together, these layers reduce risk.
How Businesses Can Reduce Risk Today
- Review your security plan and contacts
- Test alarms, PA systems, and emergency lights
- Audit access cards and visitor passes
- Check loading docks and back entrances
- Verify delivery staff and service vendors
- Keep a grab-sheet with key phone numbers
- Brief teams on how to report a suspicious item
- Avoid large gatherings if security is not adequate
- Coordinate with the local police station for any event
Hotels should scan parking areas and service lifts. IT parks should monitor server rooms and rooftops. Warehouses should track night entries and exits. Co-working spaces should verify new walk-ins.
Why Multiple Small Strikes Are A Known Risk
Experts warn about swarm tactics. Many small strikes can strain resources. High-footfall areas are easy targets. That is why layered security matters. It raises the effort needed to plan and execute an attack. It also improves the chance of early detection. Fast medical response can reduce harm if an incident occurs.
Coastal And Perimeter Security: The Outer Ring
Mumbai has a long coastline. Creeks and jetties are sensitive. Coastal police units are on alert. Patrols at sea have increased. Perimeter checks near ports are tighter. Industrial zones and fuel depots are under watch. These outer rings prevent covert movement. They also protect critical infrastructure.
What Police Will Watch For In The Next 24–72 Hours
- A clear lead on the origin of the threat message
- Any links to known networks or recent cases
- Unusual purchase of chemicals, circuits, or batteries
- Theft or bulk movement of items that can hide explosives
- Fresh rentals near stations, malls, or religious sites
- Reconnaissance attempts at crowded venues
- Tampered vehicle identification numbers or stolen plates
- Test runs by suspects to gauge police response
- Suspicious cash flows or hawala movement tied to suspects
Media And Public Updates: Expect Regular Briefings
Police are likely to share periodic updates. A press briefing may be called if needed. Helplines may be highlighted for quick reporting. Rumor control desks may post clarifications. Transport and venue advisories may be issued. Follow these to plan your day.
Background: Why Mumbai Stays Ready
Mumbai has faced terror threats before. The city learned and adapted. Inter-agency coordination improved. Bomb squads got better gear. CCTV coverage expanded. Hospital response became faster. Drills with railways, airports, and ports became routine. Community policing deepened.
Alerts like this test the system. Even if the message is false, the drill helps. It keeps teams sharp. It strengthens public awareness. It exposes gaps that can be fixed quickly.
Practical Safety Tips For Daily Life
- Travel light; avoid carrying large bags to crowded places
- Keep your phone charged and emergency numbers saved
- Stay aware of exits in any large venue
- Park in well-lit, monitored areas
- Report broken cameras, open gates, or dark corners to authorities
- Encourage family and friends to follow verified updates
- If you see something, say something quickly and clearly
Parents can brief children on simple safety rules. Employers can stagger shifts to reduce peak crowding. Event planners can add extra ushers and security staff.
What To Watch Next
- Official confirmation on the authenticity of the threat message
- Identification or arrest of the sender or handlers
- Visible increase in patrols and bomb squad sweeps at hubs
- Temporary restrictions at high-footfall events and venues
- Coordination updates with railways, Metro, airport, and port authorities
- Public helpline statistics and rumor-control advisories
- Security reviews at schools, hospitals, and places of worship
- Stabilization of traffic flow despite increased checks
- Any relaxation of the alert level after core verification steps