New Delhi/Patna: Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) national president Chirag Paswan has reportedly received a death threat, prompting his office to seek an immediate investigation and a review of his security arrangements.
An unsigned message received by the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries on Tuesday allegedly stated that terrorists would soon kill the minister.
Following the message, Alok Kumar Singh, Additional Private Secretary to Chirag Paswan, wrote to the Union Home Secretary seeking immediate action and a review of the minister’s existing security cover.
Threatening message sent to ministry
According to the letter, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries received an unsigned message from two numbers on Tuesday. The message allegedly contained a direct death threat against Paswan, referring to “hardline terrorists” who would purportedly assassinate him.
Paswan’s office described the reference to hardline terrorists as a serious security concern and requested that the matter be investigated urgently.
The identity of the sender is not known. The letter requested the Home Ministry to establish whether the threat was genuine and determine who was behind it. A copy of the original message was also attached to the communication.
Whether the message originated from an actual terrorist organisation or was sent by an individual or other anti-social element will be established through the investigation.
Security review sought ahead of public engagements
Alok Singh also requested the Home Ministry to review Paswan’s existing security arrangements and strengthen them if considered necessary.
The request comes ahead of several public engagements scheduled for the Union minister in the coming days. His office has urged that the threat be treated as a matter requiring immediate attention.
Paswan has Z-category security
Chirag Paswan currently has Z-category security provided by the central government.
The security arrangement involves a sizeable protection team, including armed personnel and escort arrangements. Security categories are determined by the Ministry of Home Affairs based on assessments and inputs from security and intelligence agencies.
The reported threat has now triggered a fresh request for a security assessment as authorities investigate the source and credibility of the message.
