The police on Friday, the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi and Eid, released an advisory for Mumbaikars to be cautious because two suspected terrorists of foreign origin have entered the city and may create disruption at crowded and religious places.
However, chief minister (CM) Ashok Chavan said adequate security measures have been taken.
The two have been identified as Kalimuddin Khan, alias Rameshwar Pandit, 28, and Hafij Khijir Ulla Sarif, 25.
Information about the two was given to reporters by joint commissioner of police (crime) Himanshu Roy.
Sources in the intelligence department have confirmed that Khan is from Pakistan and Sarif from Bangladesh. “The two have entered from the Bangladesh border and came here by train. Their intention is to create communal disharmony. Khan’s alias suggests the two might try to do something during Ganeshotsav,” said an intelligence official. “But there is no information about whether they are accompanied by more people or if they are armed with explosives.”
Several crime branch teams have been formed following the alert. Police stations have also been asked to be cautious. “We have informed railway stations and bus depots, where people gather in large numbers. We have asked all authorities to install CCTV cameras,” Roy said. “It is not mere coincidence that (the terrorists) are here during the festive season.”
The CM said: “We have taken all steps to ensure nothing goes wrong. Adequate police have been deployed to avoid any untoward incident.”
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