KKN Gurugram Desk | As Bihar gears up for the end-of-year assembly elections, the political landscape is heating up. Leaders from various parties are ramping up campaign activities, but this week, the stakes reached a dangerous new level. RLD chief and former MP Upendra Kushwaha reported receiving death threats from someone claiming affiliation with the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Kushwaha filed a police complaint, stating he received threatening calls in which the caller warned, “We will kill you in 10 days.” The incident underscores the rising tension and the perilous environment ahead of the Bihar elections.

Threat Calls from Two Numbers, Multiple Messages

In an official statement on social platform X, Kushwaha provided a detailed timeline of the harassing calls:

• Between 8:52 PM and 9:20 PM, he received seven threatening calls from two phone numbers: +91 63051 29156 and +91 92295 67466.

• At 8:57 PM, a third number—+91 75691 96793—sent an MMS and SMS, warning that Kushwaha would face consequences if he continued criticizing a certain political party. The messages included explicit threats to eliminate him within ten days if he didn’t stop public commentary.

The caller specifically cited the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a well-known Punjab-based criminal syndicate involved in high-profile assassinations. This claim, whether authentic or a scare tactic, carries serious weight.

 What the Caller Allegedly Threatened

According to Kushwaha, the messages outlined three demands:

1. Cease political commentary targeting a specific party.

2. Stop attending public forums or party events.

3. Ultimatum: “Stop within 10 days, or you will be eliminated.”

Using the Lawrence Bishnoi name appears to be intended to sow fear—whether the calls are genuine or fake, they are being treated seriously due to the reputation of the outlawed criminal network.

Police Response and Investigation Underway

Bihar Police have initiated an aggressive investigation into the case:

• A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered based on Kushwaha’s written complaint.

• SSP Patna has ordered immediate action, dispatching teams to trace the originating numbers and locate the caller.

• Cybercrime and telecom units have been roped in to gather call logs, message metadata, and potential location tracking from the telecom service providers.

• Police are also scanning CCTV footage near Kushwaha’s residence and office from the timeframe of the calls to identify any suspicious activity.

Speaking about the urgency, a senior officer commented:

“Given the seriousness of the threats and the association with Lawrence Bishnoi, we are treating this as a matter of national security. We will not tolerate political intimidation.”

 Political Dynamics: Why This Threat Matters Now

The threat to Kushwaha raises concerns on multiple fronts:

1. Heightened Pre-Election Tensions

Bihar is entering a highly charged election cycle. Leaders from various parties, including Kushwaha who heads the Rashtriya Lok Janata Dal (RLJD), have been vocal against rival parties. Silencing leaders through intimidation could impact democratic discourse.

2. Use of Criminal Legacy for Political Intimidation

Invoking the name of a crime gang can be a tactic to instill fear. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, involved in high-profile cases such as the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, carries a unique terror quotient, even without physical presence.

3. Security Protocol for Politicians

This incident has prompted discussion around improving police protection for political figures at public events and while commuting between constituencies—a pressing concern during the election season.

 About Lawrence Bishnoi: Crime Network in Spotlight

Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious gangster from Punjab, leads a criminal network known for operating across state borders. His gang has been accused of:

• Contract killings

• Extortion rackets

• Drug and weapon trafficking

• Links to high-profile murders, including that of Sidhu Moosewala in 2022

Though imprisoned, his gang remains active. Mentioning his name triggers alarm due to the gang’s notorious reputation and capability to inspire fear remotely.

 Precedents: Similar Threats to Politicians Elsewhere

Politicians linked with strong anti-crime rhetoric have previously received threats:

• Punjab leader Sidhu Moosewala was fatally shot in 2022 after receiving death threats over his stance against gangs.

• Haryana’s Arvind Kumar Sharma claimed he was warned for criticizing rural land mafia.

• Jammu & Kashmir has also witnessed threats issued via video clips in 2023.

These incidents show that invoking gangster names online or via phone is a well-known intimidation tactic.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The police have outlined the roadmap:

The government has mobilized to ensure maximum security for Kushwaha and maintain free and fearless public debate.

 Response by Upendra Kushwaha

Kushwaha issued a public statement condemning the threats and reaffirmed his commitment to political discourse.

“These threats threaten our democracy. I have faith in Patna Police to find the culprits. I urge all leaders to speak with fearlessness and faith in the rule of law.”

He also expressed gratitude for the quick police response and urged citizens to stay vigilant ahead of the elections.

 Political Fallout and Public Reaction

• Opposition parties have denounced the intimidation attempt and emphasized the need for robust security for all political figures.

• Bihar Government spokesman reassured citizens, stating such tactics will not derail the electoral process.

• Public sentiment on social media is split—some calling for foul play and political misdirection, others applauding the swift police action.

Many leaders have expressed solidarity with Kushwaha, reinforcing a narrative that election threats will not silence leaders.

 Safeguarding Democracy: Why This Threat Should Be Taken Seriously

1. Ensuring Free Expression — Political leaders must speak freely without fear.

2. Maintaining Democratic Integrity — Election discourse must be sheltered from criminal interference.

3. Strengthening Political Security — The incident highlights the need for better protective measures, especially for opposition and regional party leaders during campaigns.

A death threat invoking the Lawrence Bishnoi name marks a chilling turn ahead of Bihar’s assembly elections. What started as “ten days to kill” has triggered a prompt police investigation and broader debate on political safety.

Upendra Kushwaha’s courage in publicly reporting the threats deserves praise. The rapid response by Bihar Police is reassuring, but keeping democratic rights secure demands constant vigilance.

As the election season unfolds, Bihar must stand firm: no election should proceed under fear. For continuous coverage on Bihar election security, political developments, and the status of the Upendra Kushwaha case, follow updates on KKNLive.com.