Anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare’s office has written to state police chief asking him to probe the alleged incident of a Canada-based Indian issuing a death treat to the activist on social networking site Facebook. A former aide and a supporter of the 77-year-old activist has registered an offence in this regard with Thane Police.
In the letter written, Hazare’s office in-charge has said that it’s possible that the person issuing threat to Hazare was offended by the activist’s stance against Narendra Modi led NDA government over the new Land Acquisition Bill. The threat was issued on February 24, when Hazare was protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Canada based Facebook user Gagan Vidhu has been booked by Thane Police under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act.
According to the complaint with the DGP, Vidhu made a post on Februray 24 afternoon: “Time has come to kill Anna Hazare. I will be next Nathuram Godse soon.” On February 25, Vidhu posted further: “.. I am not kidding. I am coming to India soon. I will arrange for gun and shoot this modern ghandi (Gandhi). I hate (Arvind) Kejriwal so much I can do anything to spoil him….I have collected all the documents – My friend Neil in New Delhi is working on it. We will expose Kejriwal soon, then I have to play role of Nathuram Godse. I am not joking. I am very serious. I can do anything for my Bharat Mata.”
Taking a serious note of Vidhu’s posts, Thane based Ashok O. Gautam – who worked with Hazare in 2013 – lodged the FIR with the local police.
“In the light of the murder of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar in 2013 and recent assassination of CPI leader Govind Pansare, this issue should be taken seriously. A few days before commission of these two murder, the activists had received similar threats. Hence, appropriate action should be taken to ensure Hazare’s safety,” the letter to DGP reads.
Meanwhile, Ahmednagar Police have reviewed the safety arrangements of Hazare and had directed the team guarding the activist to be alert. Hazare, at persent, has Z security. A metal detector too has been installed to screen those visit him.
