A significant security scare unfolded on May 16 after an email threatened to bomb Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel. The email claimed the attacks would be carried out as revenge for the executions of Afzal Guru and S. Shankar, also known as Savukku Shankar. This prompted immediate action from Mumbai Police and intelligence agencies.
The threatening email was addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and a recipient referred to as “Inspector Saab.” It was received on the official email ID of the Airport Police Station – ps.airport.mum@mahapolice.gov.in. Constable Mahesh Gyandev Kadam, 35, who was on duty at the time, accessed the email around 5:30 PM and promptly alerted his superiors.
Officials confirmed that the email originated from the address viduthalai_puli_vellum@outlook.com and had been sent at 5:55 AM. The sender claimed that seven IED bombs made using RDX had been planted at both the airport and the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, calling for the immediate evacuation of these locations.
Describing the threat as a “sacred mission,” the sender cited the hangings of Afzal Guru and Shankar as motivation. The email further stated that the explosives were prepared using locally available materials. It also included references to certain political and administrative figures, a “pink envelope,” and alleged video evidence.
Constable Kadam swiftly informed Duty Supervisor PI Whatkar and Senior PI Mane. Following protocol, ATC officer PSI Sunil Khair was notified, who then called in the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) West-1 team.
Between 6:35 PM and 7:30 PM, the BDDS team conducted an extensive sweep of several key areas, including the airport terminal, departure gates 1 and 2, the arrival gate, taxi stand, Hotel Taj Santacruz, and the ATC tower. However, the search yielded no explosives or suspicious items.
Preliminary investigations indicate the email was likely sent anonymously with the intent to cause fear and disrupt public order. Acting on a government complaint, the Airport Police Station has registered a case under Sections 125, 351(1)(3)(4), and 353(1)(b) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, against the unknown sender. The matter remains under active investigation.
