Threats to BJP MLAs: Yogi orders STF, ATS monitored probe

The BJP MLAs had complained about it to the Chief Minister.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered an ATS and STF monitored probe into the matter of threats being received by thirteen BJP MLAs from the state. WhatsApp messages, written in Hindi, demanded Rs 10 lakh from around 12 MLAs, including those from Bulandshahr, Badayun, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Gonda, Bareilly, Kanpur Dehat, Barabanki and Lucknow, said reports.

The WhatsApp messages threatened the politicians with severe consequences if they did not pay the money as demanded.

The BJP MLAs had complained about it to the Chief Minister.

BJP's Anita Lodhi was one of the MLAs who received an extortion call demanding Rs 10 lakh, police said. The MLA from Dibai area told the police that she received six messages demanding the ransom on May 19, they said, adding a case was registered at Indira Puram Police Station.

The sender disclosed his identity as Ali Budesh Bhai from Dubai and threatened to kill her three family members if she failed to arrange the money within three days.

Lodhi said the matter has been brought in the knowledge of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and he had assured her to provide stringent security.