Maharashtra Speaker Urges Action Against Bishnoi Gang's Threats to Congress MLA
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Mumbai, Feb 24 (NationPress) In a significant move, Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar has urged the state government to seriously address the alleged threats made against Congress MLA Sajid Khan Pathan by members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The matter was raised during an adjournment motion in the Legislative Assembly by Vijay Wadettiwar, the leader of the Congress legislative group.
According to Wadettiwar, "Our Congress MLA Sajid Khan Pathan, representing Akola West, has been threatened with death on behalf of the Bishnoi gang, alongside an international extortion demand of Rs 10 crore."
He detailed that on February 17 at 3:30 PM, Pathan received a call from a person named Shubham Lonkar, linked to the Bishnoi gang, who demanded a ransom of Rs 10 crore and threatened to kill him if the payment was not made.
Wadettiwar further informed the Assembly that the caller boasted that even if the police were notified, they would only provide temporary protection, stating that eventually, they would kill Pathan after a few months.
"If public representatives are not safe in our state, what about the common citizens?" he questioned, emphasizing that threats from a gang known for past shooting incidents are alarmingly serious. He described listening to the audio of the threat as truly chilling.
Despite Sajid Pathan's lack of any criminal ties, he is being targeted, which raised concerns in the Assembly. Narvekar responded urgently, instructing the Maharashtra government to prioritize the issue and enhance the MLA's security, although he did not permit Pathan to address the matter himself.
Speaking to reporters after the session, Pathan recounted, "I received a call on February 17. The caller introduced himself as Shubham Lonkar from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and claimed he was the one who killed Baba Siddique and stated that I am next in line."
"He insisted on a ransom of Rs 10 crore, threatening that if I refused, he would kill me in public, just as he did with Baba Siddique," Pathan reported. He immediately contacted the Akola SP, and actions are underway.
"The Chief Minister also reached out to me. However, I regret that I was unable to address this situation in the House. If I am facing such threats, I can't help but wonder what could happen to an everyday citizen," he expressed.