Bomb disposal squads and security personnel in Mumbai conducted inspections of several high-profile locations after receiving email threats naming the city’s major landmarks and the residence of Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) office, banks, courts, the Mahalaxmi Racecourse, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were all listed in the communications, prompting a widespread security response across the Indian megacity. According to Khaleej Times, the email specifically identified the actor’s Juhu bungalow, known as Jalsa, where he resides with his family. Following the alerts, local police and bomb squad units carried out thorough checks at the premises mentioned. NDTV reported that these inspections yielded no suspicious items, confirming the threats were hoaxes.
The incident is not isolated to the current week; Khaleej Times noted that Bachchan’s residence has received similar threats in recent weeks. Last month, a school in the Bandra-Kurla Complex business district received an email naming the actor’s home, which prompted an investigation by Mumbai Police. Despite the recurring nature of these threats, Bachchan has continued his weekly public appearances, though with heightened security measures. On November 1, he met fans behind bullet-proof glass, a departure from his usual unguarded interactions. The Hindu reported that similar hoax emails targeted the offices of the Mumbai mayor and deputy mayor, as well as the venue of a concert by singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh. Searches at the mayor’s office also returned negative results.
The threats have coincided with a broader pattern of security incidents involving celebrities in the region. In October, gunfire was directed at actor Tiger Shroff’s vehicle, injuring his driver and a bystander. Earlier incidents included attacks on the residences of actors Salman Khan and filmmaker Rohit Shetty. In Pune, the threat network appeared to extend beyond Mumbai, with The Hindu reporting that the Pune civic body and branches of Punjab National Bank (PNB) were also targeted. Deputy Commissioner of Police Raghasudha R. stated that legal processes are ongoing regarding the hoax threats received at the BMC office and PNB. The coordinated nature of the emails, targeting both private residences and public infrastructure, has raised concerns among local authorities about the source and intent behind the communications. Security teams remain on high alert as investigations continue into the origin of the digital threats.