Worli Traffic Control Helpline Misused for Threats; 5 Arrested in 2 Months | Representational Image
Mumbai: The Worli traffic control helpline, meant to assist citizens, has increasingly become a source of concern for the Mumbai Police due to a spate of threatening calls.
Over the past two months, five prominent personalities have received threats through this helpline, prompting Mumbai Police to intensify their response. Senior officials have stated, “We cannot change our helpline number out of fear but will ensure those misusing it face strict action.”
Incidents of Threats Through the Mumbai Traffic Police Helpline
1. December 8 : Arrest from Ajmer for Threatening PM Modi
Worli Police arrested Mohammed Beg Mirza (36) from Ajmer after he sent a threat message to the Mumbai Traffic helpline, claiming danger to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Investigations revealed that Mirza, employed as a turner in a company, was sent home intoxicated after being denied work by his employer. In frustration, he used the helpline to make the threat, intending to implicate his employer.
2. November 3 – Threat to UP CM Yogi Adityanath
A 24-year-old woman from Ulhasnagar was arrested for threatening Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The message stated, “If Yogi Adityanath doesn’t resign in 10 days, he’ll meet the same fate as Baba Siddique.” The Worli police, assisted by ATS and Ulhasnagar Police, traced the woman’s location and arrested her. Her family claimed she was mentally unwell. She was released after initial questioning.
3. November 7 – Extortion and Threat to Salman Khan
A lyricist (You Tuber), Sohel Pasha (24), was arrested for sending a message demanding ₹5 crores and threatening Salman Khan and another lyricist. The helpline received the message on November 7, and the police traced it to a phone belonging to a Karnataka farmer, Venkatesh Narayan. The farmer explained that his phone had been borrowed at a market. CCTV footage identified Pasha, who admitted to fabricating the threat for fame.
4. October 18 – Call from Jamshedpur
A vegetable vendor from Jamshedpur was arrested for threatening Salman Khan. He claimed he made the call as a joke, unaware of its repercussions. He faced legal consequences.
5. October 19 – Threat from Guwahati
A minor from Guwahati was detained for issuing a death threat to Salman Khan via the helpline. After counseling, he was released, and his parents were warned.
Dattatreya Kamble, DCP, Zone 3 Said, “All threatening calls received through the traffic control helpline are registered as FIRs at Worli Police Station. While tracking down culprits can be challenging, changing the helpline number is not a practical solution. This number provides vital assistance to hundreds of citizens daily, and such calls are an exception.”
While the helpline continues to play a critical role in assisting citizens, its misuse for threats remains a pressing issue. The police are committed to tackling these challenges without compromising public service.
