Mumbai police detained a man following a threat call received by the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Trident Hotel in Nariman Point on Wednesday evening. The caller claimed a 26/11-style attack would be carried out.
The threat call was made to the Taj hotel’s switchboard around 12:30 PM. The caller, identifying himself as Vikrant Shetty, spoke in Hindi and allegedly threatened to repeat the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He reportedly disconnected the call before providing further details.
Following the call, both hotels were put on high alert, and security was immediately enhanced. Bomb detection and disposal teams conducted thorough searches of both premises, including rooms, basements, and surrounding areas. No suspicious objects were found during the searches.
Police traced the call to a public phone booth in Sion. Based on this information, they identified and detained the suspect, identified as a 32-year-old man. Initial investigations revealed the man has a history of mental illness and had previously been admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
Police are currently questioning the suspect to ascertain his motive and the reason behind making the threat call. They are investigating whether he acted alone or was part of a larger conspiracy. While the initial assessment suggests a hoax call stemming from mental instability, authorities are not taking any chances and are conducting a detailed investigation.
The incident triggered memories of the 2008 attacks, which targeted several locations in Mumbai, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel and the Trident Hotel, resulting in significant loss of life. Security agencies are reviewing security protocols at prominent hotels and public places in the city to prevent any potential threats. The detained individual is being further examined by medical professionals to evaluate his mental state.
