A 21-year-old man was arrested by the Samastipur cyber crime team for issuing a death threat to Union Minister Chirag Paswan on social media. The accused was nabbed from Begusarai and has confessed to posting the threat on Instagram.

The accused has been identified as Mohammad Meraj, son of Mohammad Saleem. He hails from Bhirha Ward 7 in the Rosera police station area of Samastipur district.

Threat Posted on July 11 via Instagram Comment

According to police sources, the threat was posted on Instagram on July 11. The message was a comment under a public post, in which Meraj threatened to kill Chirag Paswan using a bomb. The comment mentioned a specific date—July 20—as the day of the planned attack.

Meraj has admitted during interrogation that the Instagram account used for the threat belonged to him. The account is now under digital forensic analysis by the cyber crime unit.

FIR Registered in Patna Cyber Crime Police Station

Speaking to the media, DSP of Cyber Crime Durgesh Deepak said that an FIR had been registered under case number 1592/25 at the Patna Cyber Police Station. The complaint was lodged by the district president of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) from Samastipur.

Based on the complaint, a formal entry was made, and the investigation was launched without delay. Digital tracking methods were employed to trace the IP address and account credentials linked to the threat.

How the Investigation Unfolded

The cyber team analyzed the comment metadata and device signatures connected with the Instagram post. Once the mobile number and IP address were traced, surveillance teams tracked the accused’s location to Begusarai.

Following confirmation of his identity and online activity, a swift operation led to Meraj’s arrest. His mobile phone, which was used to post the threat, has been seized and sent for forensic examination.

No Terror Links Found So Far

As of now, police say there is no indication of any terror-related background or larger conspiracy behind the threat. DSP Deepak clarified that preliminary findings suggest the accused acted alone and without external support.

However, cyber experts continue to monitor other digital footprints from the accused’s devices. They are verifying whether similar threats were made from other accounts and if Meraj was part of any online hate groups.

Accused to Face Legal Consequences Under IT Act and IPC

Legal proceedings have been initiated against Mohammad Meraj under sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act. Charges include criminal intimidation, threat to life, and misuse of digital platforms.

He will be produced before the local court after routine questioning. The police have requested judicial custody for extended interrogation. Authorities want to ensure the threat was not a prelude to an actual plan.

Minister Chirag Paswan Yet to Comment Publicly

Union Minister Chirag Paswan has not issued any official statement on the matter. However, party leaders in Samastipur have urged the administration to tighten the minister’s security. They also demanded a strict crackdown on individuals misusing social platforms to spread hate or threats.

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) district representatives condemned the act and appreciated the swift action taken by the cyber crime police.

Security Measures Around Minister Strengthened

Following the threat, local intelligence agencies have reviewed the minister’s upcoming travel plans. The Ministry of Home Affairs has reportedly asked for a security briefing from the Bihar police. Paswan, who represents the Hajipur constituency, is often on the move for political events, especially ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections.

Sources indicate that surveillance around his events will now involve additional paramilitary deployment and closer coordination with local police.

Digital Threats Against Public Figures On the Rise

This incident adds to a growing list of online threats made against public personalities in recent times. Experts say the misuse of social media for hate speech, fake news, and criminal intimidation is rising.

Cyber crime cells in multiple Indian states have seen a surge in complaints from politicians, celebrities, and journalists. Many of these threats originate from fake or anonymous accounts, making the task of investigation more complex.

The government has been working with tech companies to improve reporting tools and ensure faster takedowns of such harmful content.

Case Being Closely Watched Amid Political Climate

As Bihar gears up for state elections in 2025, such incidents are being viewed with greater sensitivity. Any threat to a sitting Union Minister, especially one with active political influence like Chirag Paswan, raises concern among intelligence agencies.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has not been involved yet, but senior police officials say they are keeping all options open. If any link to organized crime or political provocation is found, the matter may be escalated to central agencies.

The arrest of Mohammad Meraj is being seen as a crucial step in enforcing accountability on digital platforms. The case underlines the need for greater cyber awareness, responsible online behavior, and swift action against digital threats.

As the investigation continues, both law enforcement and political parties are urging citizens to report threats immediately and refrain from spreading inflammatory content.