MLAs From Punjab, Delhi Too Received Threats, Probe Underway: Haryana Minister Anil Vij

During the investigation, it was also revealed that threats and demands for extortion were made through some Pakistani residents, the minister said.

New Delhi: Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Monday informed the assembly that the state Police investigations have found that not just MLAs from the state but three legislators from Punjab and two from Delhi also received threat calls recently. Vij was replying to a calling attention motion moved during the Monsoon Session of the Haryana Legislative Assembly. He said that some MLAs in Haryana had received information about extortion calls/threats.

As soon as the information was received, an FIR was registered in the concerned police station area an investigation was started and the security of the members was increased.

Four MLAs from Haryana had received such calls between June 24 and 28 from different telephone numbers which were followed to West Asian nations and worked from Pakistan, STF Inspector General of Police Satheesh Balan had told reporters in Gurugram last month.

He said that the investigation of the cases was assigned to the Special Task Force (STF) to ensure that these cases get the highest priority and to ensure coordination with other State Investigation/Intelligence Agencies and Central Agencies. 

He said that after proper investigation, two members of the gang hailing from Uttar Pradesh were arrested in Mumbai while the other four, all from Bihar, were arrested from Muzaffarpur.

During the investigation, it was also revealed that threats and demands for extortion were made by some Pakistani residents, the minister said.

It was also learned that the persons involved are cyber fraudsters, who are not associated with any terrorist organization or extortion racket, he said. 

They were trying to take advantage of the current situation by using the recently published/publicized criminal incidents in Punjab. 

The investigation of the cases is on. He said that in this way, by taking firm, quick and decisive action, it has been ensured that the people's representatives continue to perform their duties with freedom and fearlessness. Haryana Police is also providing assistance to the police forces of other states in connection with the investigation of cases of similar nature under their jurisdiction.

(With PTI inputs)