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In a big development on Wednesday, the Ahmedabad crime branch confirmed the arrest of a history sheeter for purportedly sending a threatening bomb-blast e-mail aimed at the high-octane ODI World Cup clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. This high-profile match is set to be played on October 14, Saturday at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium.
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The suspect, recognised as Karan Mavi, was detained in Rajkot as mentioned in the official statement from the crime branch. The contentious email, written in Hindi and directed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), forewarned of a prospective blast at the Narendra Modi Stadium, situated in the Motera region, on October 14, 2023. The threatening message proclaimed that the incident would make 'everyone shudder.
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Delving into Mavi's background, he hails from the Dhar district in Madhya Pradesh. The crime branch has arrested him under sections 505 (1) B, pertaining to causing public mischief intended to incite fear or alarm among the masses, and 506 (2), related to criminal intimidation, as stipulated in the Indian Penal Code. Mavi's criminal history includes a prior arrest in connection with a 2018 rape case, as well as charges relating to human trafficking and criminal intimidation, registered at the Dhamnod police precinct in Dhar.
The Narendra Modi Stadium, recognized as one of the most significant venues for the ongoing World Cup cricket championship, has been under close surveillance. Authorities from the crime branch emphasized their vigilant monitoring of social media channels, in light of the rising number of threats from unidentified sources hinting at potential disruptions or demonstrations at the stadium.
Earlier on September 29, the Gujarat Police filed a formal complaint against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the leader of the proscribed organization Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). Pannun allegedly warned of transforming the Cricket World Cup into a "world terror cup." According to the cybercrime division of the Ahmedabad police, numerous individuals nationwide reported receiving a voice threat from Pannun, dispatched from an overseas number.
Considering the heightened risk associated with the India-Pakistan match, given its historical significance and the vast audience it draws, the Ahmedabad police have beefed up security arrangements. In a statement dated October 9, a senior official confirmed that over 11,000 personnel spanning multiple agencies – including the Gujarat Police, National Security Guard (NSG), Rapid Action Force (RAF), and home guards – would be stationed in Ahmedabad and around the stadium on the match day.
To note, the Narendra Modi Stadium played host to the tournament's inaugural game between England and New Zealand. In the lead-up to the World Cup final on November 19, fixtures such as England vs Australia and South Africa vs Afghanistan are also scheduled at this venue.
With PTI inputs
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