Punjab and Haryana High Court Takes Action on Former MLA's Security Plea
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has taken a significant step in response to a plea filed by a former independent legislator from Haryana, highlighting serious concerns over personal safety and criminal intimidation in the state. On Tuesday, the court issued formal notices to both the central government and the state government of Haryana, demanding their responses to the urgent matter.
Former MLA Faces High-Stakes Extortion and Death Threat
The plea was submitted by Balraj Kundu, who previously served as an independent Member of the Legislative Assembly from the Meham constituency in Haryana. Kundu, who is also known for his work as a social worker and philanthropist, has sought immediate protection for himself and his family members. This request comes in the wake of what he describes as a "high-stake extortion demand" accompanied by a direct death threat.
Justice Tribhuvan Dahiya of the High Court presided over the case and issued the notices after carefully considering Kundu's petition. The court acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting an immediate risk to Kundu's "life and liberty" that necessitates prompt judicial intervention.
Details of the Alleged Threat and Evidence Presented
According to the detailed petition filed by Kundu, the alarming incident occurred on February 10 while he was in Chandigarh. He received a WhatsApp call from an international phone number, which added a layer of complexity to the threat. The caller identified himself as Mahender Dhalana, who claimed to be an associate of the notorious gangster Rohit Godara.
During this communication, Kundu was allegedly subjected to a "clear death threat" and was ordered to pay a staggering sum of Rs 5 crore within a mere two-day deadline. To reinforce the demand, a subsequent voice message was sent, explicitly warning that failure to comply with the extortion demand would result in his death. Kundu provided the court with substantial evidence, including detailed call records and a complete transcript of the threatening voice message, to substantiate his claims.
Broader Pattern of Extortion Threats in Haryana
In his plea, Kundu did not limit his concerns to his personal case. He brought to the court's attention a disturbing and escalating trend of similar extortion threats across various districts in Haryana. The petition specifically mentioned that recent targets have included the president of the Rohtak Trade Association, several local businessmen, and other prominent public figures in areas such as Jhajjar, Gohana, and Karnal.
Kundu's legal counsel argued forcefully that these incidents collectively point to a "breakdown of law and order" within the state. They emphasized that there appears to be a surge in organized gang operations, creating an environment of fear and insecurity among residents and public personalities alike.
Alleged Inaction by Authorities and Legal Precedent
Despite the severity of the threat, Kundu claimed that his efforts to seek protection from the authorities have been met with inadequate response. He informed the court that he had promptly notified senior police officials and even escalated the matter to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) via email. However, according to his petition, the mandatory safety protocols and guidelines were not followed by the concerned authorities, leaving him vulnerable.
The former lawmaker is now seeking explicit directions from the court to compel both the government and the police to provide him with necessary security cover. To strengthen his case, Kundu's plea referenced a legal precedent from 2025, where another former MLA in a comparable situation was granted court-ordered protection, setting a relevant benchmark for judicial action in such matters.
This case underscores ongoing challenges in maintaining public safety and combating organized crime in Haryana, with the High Court's intervention marking a critical juncture in addressing these systemic issues.
