Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 1: Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) president Chirag Paswan, who is under Z-category security cover, received a death threat through an unsigned communication sent by post on Tuesday, September 1, his office said.

The communication reportedly warned that Paswan would "be killed shortly by hardcore terrorists", prompting his office to seek an urgent investigation into the origin and authenticity of the threat and a review of his existing security arrangements.

In a letter to Union Home Secretary Alok Kumar, Additional Private Secretary to Paswan said the matter concerned the personal security of the Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, who is currently provided Z-category security by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to the letter, an unsigned communication containing two mobile phone numbers was received at the ministry on Tuesday. On opening it, officials found a direct threat to Paswan's life.

"The threatening portion of the communication, excluding the mobile numbers mentioned therein, reads: 'You will be killed shortly by hardcore terrorists'," the letter stated.

Paswan's office said the direct nature of the threat and the reference to "hardcore terrorists" had raised serious concerns regarding the minister's safety and security. The original communication was enclosed with the letter for examination by the authorities.

The minister's office requested the Union Home Secretary to initiate a thorough investigation into the origin, authenticity and circumstances surrounding the threatening communication without delay.

It also sought a review of Paswan's existing security arrangements and their augmentation, if considered necessary, in view of the reported threat perception and his scheduled public engagements.

The office urged the authorities to treat the matter with "utmost urgency and priority".

Further details regarding the source and authenticity of the threat are awaited.