BJP Minority Morcha chief Jamal Siddiqui gets death threats, ₹1 crore extortion demand via WhatsApp
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Jamal Siddiqui, National President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Minority Morcha, has allegedly received death threats and extortion demands through WhatsApp messages, prompting him to file a formal complaint with the Nagpur Police. The threatening messages, sent between 25 May and 27 May from mobile number 8899162823, demanded between ₹50 lakh and ₹1 crore via UPI and bank transfer.
Nature of the Threats
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the unidentified sender allegedly warned that Siddiqui and his family members would be harmed if the demanded sum was not paid. The messages also contained references to bomb blasts and targeted killings of senior opposition leaders, with the sender reportedly claiming the attacks would be carried out because those leaders had 'disrespected' him.
Among the political figures named in the threatening messages were Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Sachin Pilot, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Uday Bhanu Chib. Siddiqui has submitted multiple WhatsApp screenshots, chat logs, and other digital evidence to the police as part of his complaint.
Case Registered, Probe Underway
Nagpur Police have registered a case against the unidentified accused under Sections 308(5), 351(2), and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for criminal intimidation and extortion, along with Section 66(d) of the Information Technology Act. Investigators are working to trace the origin of the mobile number through call record analysis, IP address tracking, and cyber forensic examination.
'We are treating this seriously as it involves threats to a prominent political leader and mentions of possible violence. Technical teams are working to identify the culprit,' a police officer said.
Political Response and Broader Concern
Political circles in Nagpur and Mumbai have reportedly expressed solidarity with Siddiqui and called for swift action against those responsible. Siddiqui, a BJP leader from the minority community, has been actively involved in party campaigns across Maharashtra.
The incident has drawn attention to the growing vulnerability of public figures to anonymous digital threats and cyber-based political intimidation — a pattern that law enforcement agencies across the country have flagged with increasing frequency.
What Happens Next
Senior police officials confirmed that dedicated teams have been assigned to investigate the matter on priority. Further developments are expected as cyber forensic teams work to identify the sender. Police have also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious messages received through digital platforms.