Threat to CM's life, police step up vigil

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's security has been beefed up after specific inputs about a threat to his life ahead of the Dussehra rallies of the two factions of the Shiv Sena and less than a week after the Centre's decision to ban the Popular Front of India.

State Intelligence Commissioner Ashutosh Dumbre confirmed that there was specific information about a threat to the Chief Minister's life. Another officer said the threat involved a suicide bombing.

The timing of the threat is crucial as the Chief Minister has been visiting Navratri mandals and attending party and public functions.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is in charge of the Home Department, has instructed the police to tighten Mr Shinde's security and asked the state Director General of Police, Mumbai's Police Commissioner, and Mr. Dumbre to set up a high-level team to trace the source of the threat.

Security has been tightened at the Chief Minister's official residence 'Varsha' at Malabar Hill and also at his personal residence in Thane.