Lok Sabha elections 2019: PM Modi at risk from Maoists, says home department
Officials in the home department said that the letter was written by people who claimed to be Maoists from Giridih district. Because of the special vigil during elections, police was directed to assess the security threat posed by the letter.
A recent letter from the home department addressed to the top brass of state police has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, governor Droupadi Murmu and other political dignitaries visiting the state ahead of elections could face risk from Maoists.
The directive from undersecretary Ravi Shankar Varma said that a letter in the name of Maoists, which threatened the VIPs, including the PM, was received by the office of the state’s chief secretary. It said that as the threats were of “serious nature”, police had to investigate the details “according it the highest priority.”
“Because of the impending Lok Sabha elections, there are scheduled and probable visits by the Prime Minister and other political dignitaries. Considering the scenario, special caution is required,” said the letter addressed to the director general of police, along with the additional director generals of CID, special branch and operations. The letter was also addressed to Giridih’s superintendent of police and deputy commissioner.
It asked the police officers to conduct an inquiry in the matter, and identify/ arrest anti-social elements behind it. The letter also asked police to submit an action taken report without delay.
Officials in the home department said that the letter was written by people who claimed to be Maoists from Giridih district. Because of the special vigil during elections, police was directed to assess the security threat posed by the letter.
Ajay Kumar Singh, additional director general (special branch) said that directions were issued to Giridih superintendent of police Surendra Kumar Jha to take requisite action, and submit a report to the home department.
ML Meena, additional director general (operations) said that in the past, police had come across similar letters written from Giridih district. He said that police were trying to identify the person who was mailing the letters. The person had used different post offices to mail the letter. But, police were confident of nabbing the culprit soon, he said.
SP Surendra Kumar Jha could not be reached. DC, Rajesh Kumar Pathak said that details could not be provided as it was a “sensitive matter.”