Noida Astrologer Walks Free After Sending Fake Terror Threat to Mumbai Police
A Noida-based astrologer who created panic by sending hoax threat messages to Mumbai Traffic Police about terrorists entering the city with 400 kg of RDX has been granted bail by a magistrate court. The accused, identified as Ashwinikumar Supra, was arrested on September 5, 2025 for allegedly sending the threatening WhatsApp message that triggered massive security alerts in Mumbai.
The Hoax That Shook Mumbai During Festival Season
The controversy began when Supra allegedly sent a WhatsApp message to Mumbai traffic police's helpline number claiming that 14 terrorists had entered the city with 400kg of RDX planted in 34 vehicles. The timing of the message was particularly sensitive as it arrived when Mumbai was preparing for the Ganesh festival, a major religious celebration that attracts millions of devotees.
Police immediately launched an intensive probe into the message's authenticity, simultaneously beefing up security measures across the city. Authorities also issued public appeals urging citizens not to believe in rumors and maintain calm during the festival period. The investigation eventually revealed the message was a complete hoax, leading police to track down and arrest Supra from his Noida residence.
Court's Reasoning for Granting Bail
The Bhoiwada judicial magistrate court granted bail to Supra on November 12, 2025, after considering several factors in the case. Judicial Magistrate First Class Nilesh N Dhend noted in his order that the police had not invoked the stringent Section 147 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) against the accused, which deals with waging war against the Government of India and carries potential death penalty or life imprisonment.
The court observed that despite the chargesheet being filed, the investigation officer had not made any submissions about adding this serious section against Supra. The accused has been in judicial custody since September 5, 2025, and the court noted that while evidence exists against him, the trial would take considerable time to complete.
In his bail order, Magistrate Dhend stated: "Even though there is evidence against the accused, it will take considerable period for the trial of the case. In such a situation, no purpose will be served by keeping the accused in judicial custody for an indefinite period."
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Police had registered a case against Supra under Sections 196 (1) (A) (B) of the BNS for promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and Section 351 (2) (3) (4) for criminal intimidation. The prosecution opposed the bail plea, arguing that it was a serious offense and the accused could potentially abscond if released.
However, the court noted that the investigation officer did not file a response opposing the bail application. Supra, in his defense, claimed complete innocence and stated he had no connection with the alleged offense.
The bail was granted on the condition that Supra furnishes sureties of Rs 50,000 and complies with specific terms including:
- Not leaving India without prior court permission
- Not committing similar types of offenses in the future
- Cooperating with the ongoing investigation
Criminal History Revealed
During the investigation, police uncovered that this wasn't Supra's first encounter with law enforcement for similar activities. In 2023, he had been arrested on cheating charges following a complaint by businessman Firoz Ahmed. It was alleged that Supra had sent a fake threat message in Ahmed's name as an act of revenge.
The latest incident has raised concerns about the misuse of digital platforms to spread panic and the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with hoax threats that consume significant security resources. The case continues to be investigated even as Supra enjoys temporary freedom pending trial.
