Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Oct 28: After the state sports, youth affairs and fisheries minister Abhayachandra Jain complained to police that he had received a threat call from unidentified person claiming to be Ravi Poojary, minister for forests, environment and ecology Ramanath Rai has revealed that he too had received a threat call, but chose to ignore it.

"Threat calls are common in public life. I am targeted even though I am innocent. But I do not want to file a police complaint as I am least bothered. I feel that hooliganism should be opposed by entire society." Rai said speaking to reporters during a function in city on Tuesday, October 27.

Responding to MP Nalin Kumar Kateel's accusation that Rai did not visit the family of Prashanth Poojary, the murdered Bajrang Dal activist in Moodbidri, Rai said "I did not visit the house of the murdered person because I did not want to do politics on the issue. Kateel accuses me of not visiting Moodbidri, but then did he visit the family of an attack victim in Bantwal?"

Abhayachandra had received the threat call on Saturday, October 24 afternoon. In that call, the caller had allegedly said that Abhayachandra Jain and Ramanath Rai both were involved in the killing of Prashant Poojary.

Jain had also informed the chief minister Siddaramaiah and home minister K J George regarding the call. Police commissioner Murugan had also visited Jain’s house after the complaint and extra security was provided at minister's house.