Muzaffarpur, Bihar, is currently the scene of political unease as SDM East, Amit Kumar, received a death threat and extortion demand, heightening the tension prior to the upcoming elections. The SDM received a threatening message on WhatsApp, prompting a wave of concern in the region. The message, which came from an unidentified number, contained a demand for money. Upon the SDM’s response, further threats were issued, including threats to tarnish his image. The message was received on the evening of August 15th.
Investigation suggests that the threats came from a former JDU leader. The incident has caused a ripple effect within the district’s administrative and political bodies. The SDM quickly responded by lodging a written complaint at the Sadar police station. The FIR filed by the SDM East includes charges of obstructing government functions, extortion, and attempts to damage his reputation.
The police swiftly took action and arrested the suspect, Sanjeev Kumar Rajan, from Patahi. Rajan is a former JDU district vice-president of the Mahanagar Kisan Prakoshth, holding the position of metropolitan vice-president of the Kisan Prakoshth three years previously. JDU district president, Rambabu Singh Kushwaha, stated that Rajan had previously been associated with the Kisan Prakoshth but currently has no affiliation with the party.
According to City DSP II, Vinita Sinha, the accused was arrested following the filing of the FIR. He was then presented before the court and placed in judicial custody. Authorities state that the accused has no current political affiliations and are investigating his criminal record.
SDO East Amit Kumar’s statement within the FIR indicated that he was on official government work in Patahi on August 15th at 7:55 PM when he received the threatening WhatsApp message. The message demanded money, threatened him, and warned of reputational damage. As a result, he filed an FIR at the Sadar police station against the individual associated with the mobile number from which the message originated.