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Key Points

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and Taj Hotel received a serious bomb threat via email on Saturday. The threat specifically referenced Afzal Guru's execution and warned of potential bombings at these high-profile locations. Police have launched a full-scale investigation and deployed bomb detection squads to ensure public safety. The incident has raised security concerns, particularly given the historical significance of the Taj Hotel during the 2008 terror attacks.

Key Points: Mumbai Airport Taj Hotel Bomb Threat Afzal Guru Link

  • Bomb threat email mentions Afzal Guru's execution
  • Security intensified at Mumbai Airport and Taj Hotel
  • Bomb squads deployed for search operations
  • Historical context of 26/11 terror attacks recalled
2 min read

Mumbai airport, iconic Taj Hotel receive bomb threats; Afzal Guru mentioned in email

Mumbai high-profile locations receive bomb threat referencing Afzal Guru, heightened security deployed at airport and iconic Taj Hotel

"Bomb threat received, authorities on high alert - Mumbai Police Source"

Mumbai, May 17

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel, a key site of the 26/11 terror attacks, received fresh bomb threats on Saturday, sparking heightened security measures across the city.

The threat, issued via email to the Mumbai Airport Police, referenced the execution of terrorist Afzal Guru and warned of imminent bombings at both high-profile locations.

According to officials, the email claimed that the bombing would be carried out in retaliation for what it called the "injustice" of Guru's hanging, and also mentioned S Shankar, another executed convict. The police have launched a full-scale investigation, and security has been intensified at the airport and the hotel. Bomb detection and disposal squads have been deployed, and search operations are underway.

This is not the first time Mumbai Airport has been targeted by such threats. However, the reference to Afzal Guru and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel which had come under siege during the 26/11 terror attacks has raised particular concern among authorities.

The email's contents have brought back haunting memories of the 2008 terror siege, when armed militants targeted several landmarks, including the Taj hotels.

On May 9, a bomb threat was sent to Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, causing a security alarm. The threat, received via email at around 9 AM, claimed that a bomb had been planted on the hospital premises. The email also instructed that patients should be evacuated immediately. However, later it turned out to be a hoax.

Afzal Guru, a resident of Jammu and Kashmir, was convicted for his role in the December 13, 2001 attack on the Indian Parliament. He was accused of aiding the terrorists by providing logistical support and was executed in 2013. His hanging has been a subject of political and public debate, with opinions divided over the fairness of his trial and execution.

While Mumbai Police have received several such threats in the past -- many of which turned out to be hoaxes -- authorities are treating this incident with utmost seriousness because of the importance of the two places targeted.

Investigations are ongoing, and the source of the email is being traced. As of now, no explosives have been found. Further updates are awaited.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is absolutely unacceptable! Mumbai has suffered enough from terror attacks. Why are we still seeing threats referencing 26/11 and Afzal Guru after all these years? Our security agencies must track down these cowards immediately. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
As a Mumbaikar, this news gives me chills. The Taj is not just a hotel - it's our pride. These threats show some groups still want to target our spirit. But we Mumbaikars are resilient. Hope police catch them soon. Stay safe everyone!
A
Amit S.
While we must take all threats seriously, I wonder if these are just attempts to create panic. The timing is suspicious - just when tourism is picking up post-pandemic. Either way, better safe than sorry.
S
Sunita R.
The mention of Afzal Guru shows this is politically motivated. We shouldn't give importance to such threats but must strengthen our intelligence network. Our forces are capable, but need better tech to trace these emails faster.
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Vikram J.
Why is our media giving so much coverage to these threats? This is exactly what the perpetrators want - publicity and fear. Authorities should handle it quietly without creating panic among citizens.
N
Neha P.
My husband works near the airport and I'm really worried 😟 These repeated threats affect normal people's lives the most. Government should have stricter cyber laws to prevent such emails. Enough is enough!

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