Olympic medallist and wrestler Bajrang Punia has reported receiving a threat message via WhatsApp from an international number. The threat follows his recent decision to join the Congress party ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections.
On Friday, Bajrang Punia officially became a member of the Congress and was appointed as the Working Chairman of the Kisan Congress. Merely two days after this development, he received a threatening message on WhatsApp, warning him to leave the Congress. The message read, "Bajrang, leave Congress or it won't be good for you and your family. This is our last message."
Bajrang Punia Files Police Complaint, Haryana CM Saini Assures Action
In response to the threat, Bajrang Punia filed a complaint at the Bahalgarh police station in Sonipat. Police spokesperson Ravinder Singh confirmed the registration of the complaint and stated, "Bajrang Punia has lodged a complaint at Bahalgarh police station. He received a message from a foreign number. The police are investigating the matter seriously. An unidentified person has issued the threat, and this is currently under investigation."
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini assured action in the case saying, "It will be investigated if he received any threat message. Action will be taken against the accused..."
It is notable that Bajrang Punia and fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat were actively involved in protests against the former BJP MP and then-President of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, over allegations of sexual harassment. Bajrang Punia is also a bronze medallist from the Tokyo Olympics.
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Interestingly, while Vinesh Phogat has been fielded by the Congress from the Julana seat in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, Punia did not receive a ticket. Addressing this, Punia remarked, "We had discussed that only one of us would contest the election. Vinesh is contesting, and I am supporting her," he stated.