Pradeep Kumar Singh, a BJP MP from Araria, Bihar, has claimed receiving extortion and murder threats on his mobile phone, allegedly from a criminal operating in neighbouring Nepal. According to local police sources, the MP received threats after failing to react to several phone calls from the accused.
In his written report to the Araria police, Singh stated that the caller attempted to contact him twice on August 27. When the MP missed both calls, he received a message seeking the release of Dinesh Rathore, a known criminal imprisoned at Araria jail. The message asked for an extortion payment of ₹10 lakh.
Singh stated, “The person called me twice on my mobile number on August 27, but I couldn’t receive the calls. He then sent a message on my number, asking for the release of Dinesh Rathore, a gangster lodged in Araria jail. Besides, he also demanded an extortion amount of ₹10 lakh. I saw the message only on September 1.”
“This is my last warning,” said the message, which was delivered by someone going by the name “Binod Rathore.” It was a direct threat. Assure my brother Dinesh Rathore’s release from prison and present him with ₹10 lakh at the jail entrance. You will be destroyed by bomb, bullet, and grenade anyplace in Araria if you don’t comply. Concerning his safety, Singh further mentioned in his lawsuit that Dinesh Rathore and his crew have previously targeted him.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a senior police officer stated that the police intended to ask Nepalese security services for help in capturing the suspect. “It is never easy for the police to rein in such criminals, as most hardcore criminals take shelter in Nepal after committing crimes here,” the officer stated. While senior law enforcement officials, such as Superintendent of Police Amit Ranjan of Araria, have remained silent, an inquiry is being conducted to identify the sender and guarantee the MP’s safety.