Daijiworld Media Network - Chandigarh
Chandigarh, Sep 27: Former Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu has reportedly received a death threat over the phone, with the caller allegedly invoking the name of Malik Ishaq, identified in reports as a leader of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.
According to an audio recording of the call, the caller allegedly told Bittu that a 1-kg explosive device had been prepared for him and threatened to use it at an appropriate time. The caller also warned that people accompanying Bittu could be harmed.
The caller allegedly told Bittu to “remember his place” and warned him against making further statements. The caller reportedly said a “box of sweets” had been prepared for him and threatened to act within five, 10 or 15 days.
The caller also allegedly used abusive language and told Bittu to be prepared. The authenticity of the audio and the identity of the caller have not been independently established, and further details of the investigation are awaited.
The threat comes days after Bittu alleged that his convoy was attacked near Batala in Punjab while he was travelling from Amritsar to Pathankot to attend the BJP’s ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’ on September 18.
Bittu alleged that a large group of people linked to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) surrounded his convoy near Ghaseetpura village and hurled eggs, tomatoes and stones at the vehicles. He claimed that window panes of two escort vehicles were broken and the jammer vehicle was damaged.
Bittu also alleged that local police failed to intervene during the incident and later said he had informed Union Home Ministry officials about the alleged security breach. His security personnel reportedly apprehended three people following the incident.
The AAP has denied involvement in the alleged attack, while police officials reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Reports said Bittu was later escorted to a safe location.
Bittu, the grandson of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh, is a BJP leader and former Union minister of state.