Mumbai: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), along with prominent private sector banks HDFC and ICICI, received a threatening email on Tuesday, claiming that 11 bombs had been planted at various locations across Mumbai. The ominous message, sent by an individual identifying themselves as part of ‘Khilafat India,’ demanded the immediate resignation of RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das and Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The email, bearing the subject line “Breaking News,” alleged a colossal scam involving top officials, including Das and Sitharaman. The sender threatened to detonate the bombs at 1:30 PM if their demands were not met.
According to Mumbai Police, a comprehensive investigation was launched at all 11 locations mentioned in the threat, which included the RBI New Central Office Building in Fort, HDFC House in Churchgate, and ICICI Bank Towers in Bandra Kurla Complex. Despite the gravity of the threats, no explosives were found during the search.
The mail said “We have planted 11 different bombs in different locations of Mumbai. The RBI along with private sector banks have executed the biggest scam in the history of India. The scam involves RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, some of the top finance officials and some renowned ministers of India.
The email continued, “We demand that both RBI Governor and Finance Minister immediately resign from their posts and release a press statement with full disclosure of the scam. We also demand that the government give both and all those who are involved in the scam the punishment they deserve.”
This incident follows a similar threat in November 2023, when Mumbai International Airport received a menacing email regarding Terminal 2.
In response to the threat, Mumbai Police filed an FIR based on a complaint by Sanjay Harishchandra Pawar, the head guard at RBI. The FIR, registered at MRA Marg police station, invokes sections 505 (1) (b), 505 (2), and 506 (2) of the Indian Penal Code.
As Mumbai remains on edge, authorities are working diligently to uncover the source of the threats and ensure the safety of the financial capital.