Yogi wants STF, ATS help in probe

LUCKNOW: SO FAR, AT LEAST 20 BJP MLAS AND THREE OTHERS IN THE PARTY HAVE RECEIVED NEARLY IDENTICAL THREATS

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered the police to act speedily in the case of BJP lawmakers receiving death threats on WhatsApp.

Adityanath has directed that the anti-terrorist squad (ATS) and the special task force (STF) be used to find out those behind such threats to lawmakers in UP.

A special investigation team (SIT) has been set up under the STF inspector general, and includes the additional superintendent of police of the anti-terrorist squad, an official said.

So far, at least 20 BJP MLAs and three others in the party have received nearly identical threats and the CM has asked the officers to ensure that those sending such messages are brought to book.

The threats were issued in the name of a gangster who once worked with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, the police said.

The CM also got the state’s additional director general (ADG crime) Anand Kumar to brief him on all the facts related to the case.

Deputy chief minister Dinesh Sharma said the government had taken the issue very seriously. “We are concerned about the safety of our lawmakers and will take all steps that are required to ensure their safety,” he said.

Senior leaders in the government said the police had already gathered preliminary details on the issue.