The Mumbai police intercepted a menacing email on Thursday, escalating security concerns as India hosts the ICC Men’s World Cup.
According to Indian media, the email, received amid the cricket frenzy, contained threats against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The anonymous sender demanded an exorbitant sum of 5 billion Indian rupees for the safety of the Prime Minister and the stadium. Notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s release from Delhi’s Mandoli jail was also demanded, as reported by Hindustan Times.
The chilling message revealed that the group orchestrating the threat had already mobilized individuals to execute the planned assaults.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) promptly acted upon receiving the threat letter from Europe, alerting the Mumbai police and other concerned agencies nationwide.
“We have received the email from the NIA, which has alerted all concerned agencies in other places as well. We also obtained the email ID from which the NIA received the threat and are actively tracing its origin. Preliminary investigations indicate a possible origin in Europe,” stated a senior police official.
Intensive efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the sender, with authorities considering the likelihood of the message being a malicious hoax or a prank orchestrated by an individual residing in a foreign nation.
In a parallel development, a case has been registered against Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, who had previously issued threats to attack World Cup matches. Pannun had vowed retaliation for the assassination of Sikh leader Nijar, a tragic event that unfolded three weeks ago.
Security protocols at all cricket events are undergoing thorough review, and authorities have pledged to bolster security measures if deemed necessary.
India remains on high alert as law enforcement agencies work tirelessly to trace the source of the threats, ensuring the safety of the Prime Minister, citizens, and the visitors attending the World Cup matches.
