Taj hotels’ security in Mumbai stepped up after threat calls

MUMBAI: The Mumbai police have increased security outside Hotel Taj Mahal Palace and Towers in Colaba and Hotel Taj Lands End (Bandra) after a caller, who identified himself as a Lashkar-eTaiba (LeT) operative from Pakistan, made two phone calls threatening attacks on Monday night. The iconic hotel in Colaba was targeted during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

MUMBAI: The Mumbai police have increased security outside Hotel Taj Mahal Palace and Towers in Colaba and Hotel Taj Lands End (Bandra) after a caller, who identified himself as a Lashkar-eTaiba (LeT) operative from Pakistan, made two phone calls threatening attacks on Monday night. The iconic hotel in Colaba was targeted during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The calls were made on the day the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi was attacked by four terrorists. The attack left four security personnel dead.

A police officer, requesting anonymity, confirmed the threat calls and additional deployment of security personnel at both hotels. Apart from quick-reaction teams, counter-terrorism units have also been stationed as per requirements and protocol, said the officer.

Police officers said the first call was made around 12.30 am to Hotel Taj Mahal Palace and Towers in Colaba which was attended by a hotel staffer. The caller said he will blow up the hotel in a fashion similar to when LeT attacked it on November 26, 2008.

Later, the caller called up Hotel Taj Lands End and issued a similar threat. Both calls were made from a number now being investigated by a team of cyber police officials, said Mumbai police officers. While both hotels have shut down operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all measures are being taken to prevent any untoward situation, said another police officer, requesting anonymity. After the phone calls, the Mumbai police also increased patrolling across the city and stepped up its vigil across all vital installations.