Court Adjourns Hearing to August 10 for Instructions on Security Costs
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has adjourned the hearing of a petition filed by former Meham MLA and businessman Balraj Kundu, who is seeking enhanced security for himself and his family. The next hearing is scheduled for August 10, on which date Kundu's counsel is expected to inform the court whether he is ready and willing to bear the expenses for the requested security.
When the matter came up before Justice Aman Chaudhary's Bench, senior advocate P.S. Ahluwalia, along with counsel Sankalp Gehlawat, sought time to obtain instructions from Kundu regarding his willingness to bear the security costs if granted. The Bench accepted the request and adjourned the matter.
Kundu Alleges Repeated Death Threats from Gangsters
In his petition, Kundu submitted that he approached the High Court seeking adequate security and protection for himself and his family after receiving repeated threats from gangsters to eliminate them. The petitioner stated that on May 25, he received several missed calls on his WhatsApp number, followed by a voice message lasting over one minute. In the message, the caller allegedly threatened to kill him in the same manner as a financier from another village in Haryana, who, according to the caller, had been shot with around 30 bullets. The caller warned Kundu that he too would be shot with "300 bullets" unless he paid the extortion money demanded.
The petition further stated that on May 27, Kundu again received a missed call, accompanied by a voice note warning him to "be ready, we will meet soon." It was added that the fifth and sixth threats had been received by the petitioner in continuation of the earlier threats.
Inadequate Security and Lack of Family Protection Alleged
Kundu contended that the security currently provided to him is inadequate and does not alleviate the apprehension arising from the repeated threats. He asserted that no security had been provided to his family despite specific threats directed at them. The petition also alleged that the security personnel deputed with him are unable to accompany him outside Haryana without prior permission from a senior police functionary, rendering the protection ineffective whenever he travels to other states. Additionally, it was alleged that the security personnel do not carry modern weapons, which could prove fatal in the event of an attack.
Kundu further submitted that he stays in Gurugram as well, but no security has been provided in or around his residential complex. The court will now hear the matter on August 10 to receive clarification on the petitioner's willingness to bear the security costs.
