Shimla/Una, Apr 14,
Former Himachal Pradesh Minister and senior BJP leader Virendra Kanwar has received a chilling ransom call threatening his life, prompting immediate police action and raising serious concerns over the safety of political figures in the state.
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According to Kanwar, the threatening call came from an individual who introduced himself as “Dharmendra” from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The caller demanded a ransom between ₹20 to ₹25 lakh, warning that Kanwar would be kidnapped and killed if the amount was not paid.
Shocked by the threat, Kanwar promptly lodged a complaint with Una Superintendent of Police Rakesh Singh. The Una Police registered a case under relevant sections and initiated a high-level investigation.
The cyber cell and technical surveillance teams have been pressed into action to trace the source of the call. Police are analyzing call recordings, mobile tower locations, and cyber footprints to identify the accused. Interestingly, while the caller claimed to be Dharmendra, the number appeared as “Irfan Khan” on the Truecaller app, suggesting an attempt to mask the true identity.
Superintendent Rakesh Singh confirmed that the case has been registered and all possible efforts are being made to track down and apprehend the accused at the earliest. He added that the police are taking the threat very seriously and are working in coordination with cybercrime experts.
Virendra Kanwar, a senior BJP leader, served as Minister for Rural Development and Animal Husbandry during the Jai Ram Thakur-led government. However, he lost the 2022 Assembly elections and was denied a party ticket for the 2024 by-elections, resulting in a temporary hiatus from active politics.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the political circles of Himachal Pradesh, especially in Una district, Kanwar’s home turf. Political colleagues and locals alike have demanded enhanced security arrangements for former ministers and public representatives, citing increasing threats and security risks.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are hopeful of a breakthrough that will reveal the identity, motive, and possible links of the caller. Further developments are awaited as police continue their probe into this high-profile case.
