Mumbai Police are on high alert after receiving a disturbing threat message on Saturday, targeting Prime Minister(PM) Narendra Modi. The WhatsApp message traced to a number registered in Ajmer, Rajasthan, mentioned two alleged ISI agents and a bomb plot. Despite immediate action, the incident has raised serious questions about the government’s ability to address rising security threats.
ISI Mention And Bomb Plot Escalate Concerns
The message, sent to the Mumbai traffic police helpline, referred to an assassination plot involving ISI agents. While investigators suspect the sender may be mentally disturbed or intoxicated, the nature of the threat has prompted heightened security measures.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. However, critics argue that recurring threats of this magnitude indicate systemic lapses in intelligence and security protocols.
Salman Khan Also Targeted Amid Rising Threats
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, already under heightened security, has received two death threats in the past 10 days. The latest message, sent on Friday, demanded that Khan visit a Bishnoi community temple in Rajasthan to apologize or pay ₹5 crore, failing which he would be eliminated.
The Bishnoi gang, notorious for its criminal operations, has previously targeted Khan, linking their threats to the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. Gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi, currently imprisoned in Ahmedabad, has publicly declared his intent to harm the actor if his demands are not met.
Government’s Questionable Security Measures
The dual threats against India’s Prime Minister and one of Bollywood’s biggest stars have exposed glaring vulnerabilities in the nation’s security apparatus. Critics question whether the government is adequately prepared to handle such threats.
Mumbai Police have increased security around Salman Khan, deploying additional personnel and a crime branch team to investigate the threats. Similarly, intelligence agencies are probing the ISI-linked message targeting PM Modi. Despite these measures, the recurrence of such incidents points to larger systemic failures.
History Of Threats Against Salman Khan
This isn’t the first time Salman Khan has faced threats. In April 2023, suspected Bishnoi gang members opened fire outside his Bandra residence. In June 2022, a threatening letter was left near his Mumbai home, warning him of dire consequences. Despite multiple arrests and investigations, the threats have persisted, raising questions about the government’s ability to neutralize these dangers.
Past Threats Against PM Modi
PM Modi, too, has faced several threats during his tenure. In 2018, Pune Police uncovered an alleged Maoist plot to assassinate him. In 2019, during the Lok Sabha elections, another detailed plan involving explosives was intercepted by intelligence agencies. While these plots were thwarted, the frequency of such incidents underscores the persistent challenges to national security.
What Is The Government Doing?
The government has yet to issue an official statement on the latest threats. However, the Mumbai Police, under the Union Home Ministry, have initiated steps to strengthen security.
- Cyber Tracking: A team of cyber experts is tracing the origins of the WhatsApp messages.
- Intelligence Coordination: Intelligence agencies are investigating possible ISI links.
- Heightened Security: Additional police personnel have been deployed around high-profile individuals and locations.
Despite these measures, opposition leaders and security experts have criticized the government for its reactive approach, emphasizing the need for proactive strategies to prevent such threats.
Opposition Slams Government Over Security Lapses
Political parties have seized on the incidents to question the government’s competence. Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party accused the Union Home Ministry of failing to ensure Delhi’s law and order, while Congress leaders highlighted the persistent vulnerabilities in protecting high-profile targets.
Public Safety Concerns
The repeated targeting of public figures has left citizens questioning their own safety. Security experts have stressed the need for comprehensive reforms in surveillance, intelligence-sharing, and cyber monitoring to address the growing threat landscape.
Is Enough Being Done?
While authorities have responded swiftly to the latest threats, critics argue that the government’s actions are insufficient. The persistence of such incidents suggests a lack of coordination between intelligence agencies, local law enforcement, and cybersecurity teams.
As investigations continue, the public and experts alike are calling for accountability and long-term reforms to ensure that both public figures and ordinary citizens are protected from rising security threats.
The recurring threats against PM Modi and Salman Khan underscore the urgent need for a robust, proactive approach to national security. Without significant changes, these incidents will continue to raise doubts about the government’s ability to protect its citizens and leaders.