After '26/11-like attack', Mumbai police helpline receives message about avoiding `Somalia-type' attack

The Mumbai Police on Wednesday received a message on their traffic helpline from an international number, advising them to take care to avoid “Somalia-like attack” in India. The police are probing the sender’s identity and motive.

Early this week, terror group al-Shabab stormed Hayat Hotel next to Somalian president’s palace in Mogadishu. During the 30-hour siege, 20 people died and 117 were injured.

Though wary of talking about a spurt in the threat messages and calls, the police have initiated standard operating procedure (SOP) meant for such situations.

Mumbai police spokesperson DCP Balsingh Rajput said, “We have received the alert on the traffic department’s helpline number. I will not call this a threat message. I will call it an alert message. It seems someone has sent it to alert us. We are investigating the source.”

On condition of anonymity, a senior official said, “We take every threat message and call seriously and action as per established rules is taken. Such calls and messages take a toll on the manpower of the police force. Ganeshotsav is also around the corner and nothing can be left to chance.”

The police have been on their toes since August 15, following four separate incidents that threatened the city’s peace. Police personnel have been deployed at key locations and security checks have been beefed along the coast.

Published on: Friday, August 26, 2022, 05:25 PM IST