Punjab BJP-RSS Leader Receives Death Threats Over Anti-Love Jihad Campaign
In a concerning development from Bathinda, former state secretary of the Punjab BJP and prominent RSS leader Sukhpal Singh Sra has reported receiving life-threatening calls allegedly originating from Pakistan and Dubai. The threats come amid his active campaign against what he terms 'Love Jihad' and religious conversions.
Detailed Account of Threatening Calls
Sukhpal Singh Sra filed a formal complaint with the Bathinda Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and the Station House Officer (SHO) of Sangat Police Station. According to his statement, the first threatening call occurred on January 28 at approximately 3 PM. The caller, identifying himself as Akram from Dubai, explicitly threatened to "kill him and his family members" within a span of 15 days.
Immediately after disconnecting this call, Sra received another call from a person who introduced himself as Shahzad Bhatti from Pakistan. This individual reiterated the threat, warning that Sra's family would be "eliminated" in the same 15-day timeframe. Sra emphasized that this was not an isolated incident, revealing that he has received similar threatening calls in the past due to his vocal stance against Love Jihad and forced conversions.
Background of the Complainant's Activism
Sukhpal Singh Sra has been a vocal figure in Punjab's political and social landscape. His recent activities include lodging a complaint against Subham Rangrez, who was accused of performing wuzu (ablution) in the sacred Sarovar (pond) of the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Furthermore, Sra has been actively raising his voice under a dedicated campaign targeting the issue of Love Jihad, a term often used by certain groups to allege a conspiracy involving interfaith marriages.
In his complaint, Sra stated, "I have asked the police to identify the caller and take appropriate action." He expressed concern over the safety of his family and underscored the need for immediate police intervention to trace the origins of these threatening communications.
Police Response and Legal Action
Responding to the complaint, the Sangat Police Station has taken swift action. SHO Inspector Sukhwinder Singh confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) was registered on Friday under Section 351(2) of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to criminal intimidation. The FIR has been filed against an unidentified person, and investigations are currently underway to ascertain the identity and location of the callers.
The police are examining call records and other digital evidence to trace the threatening communications. Authorities have assured that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure the safety of Sukhpal Singh Sra and his family while pursuing the perpetrators.
Broader Implications and Security Concerns
This incident highlights the escalating tensions and security challenges faced by individuals involved in sensitive socio-political campaigns in India. The involvement of callers claiming to be from Pakistan and Dubai adds an international dimension to the threat, raising concerns about cross-border intimidation tactics.
Political and social activists in Punjab and across India often find themselves at the center of controversies, and such threats underscore the risks associated with taking strong public stands on divisive issues. The case also brings to light the ongoing debates surrounding Love Jihad, interfaith relationships, and religious conversions, which remain highly charged topics in the Indian socio-political discourse.
As the investigation progresses, there is a growing call for enhanced security protocols and more robust mechanisms to protect individuals who face threats due to their activism or political affiliations. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it may set a precedent for how similar threats are handled in the future.
