Who is Ashwini Kumar, Noida Astrologer Arrested for Mumbai Terror Threat?

A 51-year-old man from Noida, Ashwini Kumar, has been arrested by Mumbai Police for allegedly sending a threatening WhatsApp message. The message warned of multiple bombings in Mumbai. Kumar, originally from Patliputra in Patna, Bihar, is an astrologer and vastu consultant. He has resided in Noida's Sector 79 with his parents for the past five years.

Authorities have identified Kumar as having a history of financial disputes and estrangement from his wife, Archana. In 2023, he was jailed for three months after his friend Firoz filed a case against him in Patna. Investigators believe Kumar sent the recent threat under Firoz's name to frame him in a terror case.

Threat Details and Investigation

The threatening message claimed that 34 "human bombs" were planted in vehicles across Mumbai. It also alleged that 14 Pakistani terrorists had entered India with plans to use 400 kg of RDX for explosions. The message was attributed to a group named "Lashkar-e-Jihadi" and threatened to target Hindus and disrupt Mumbai.

The police control room and traffic police received the alarming message, prompting an immediate security review. "Mumbai Police is alert, and security across the state has been enhanced. All angles of the threat are being investigated," stated the police force.

Arrest and Seizure

During Kumar's arrest, police confiscated several electronic items including seven mobile phones, three SIM cards, six memory card holders, an external SIM slot, and two digital cards. A case has been registered as Crime No. 381/25 under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

This incident follows another recent arrest involving a hoax call about blowing up Kalwa railway station in Thane district. Such threats have heightened security measures across Maharashtra as authorities remain vigilant against potential dangers.

Kumar's father, Suresh Kumar, is a retired education department official while his mother Prabhawati is a homemaker. Despite his postgraduate education, Kumar's life has been marred by personal and legal troubles.

The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address threats promptly and ensure public safety. Authorities continue to investigate all aspects of this case to prevent any real danger from materialising.