UP man poses as Lawrence-Godara gang member, threatens Haryana BJP leader; arrested

Haryana Police has arrested a 19-year-old man in Nuh for allegedly threatening BJP leader Zahid Hussain by posing as a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi and Rohit Godara gang and demanding a ransom of Rs 5 crore. The accused, identified as Akash Yadav alias Anshu, is a resident of Etawah district in Uttar Pradesh.

Hussain, a state executive committee member of the BJP, approached the Nuh City Police Station on September 28, alleging that he had received a threatening call the previous night.

According to his complaint, the caller claimed to be associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi and Rohit Godara gang and demanded Rs 5 crore. The caller allegedly threatened to kill Hussain and members of his family if the ransom was not paid.

Police subsequently registered a case at Nuh City Police Station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and launched an investigation.

The probe involved technical analysis with assistance from the Cyber Cell to trace the mobile numbers allegedly used to make the threatening calls.

During the investigation, police found that the numbers used to contact Hussain were registered in the name of Akash Yadav alias Anshu. Acting on technical leads, a police team traced the accused and arrested him. A mobile phone was recovered from his possession at the time of arrest and seized for further examination.

Police then examined WhatsApp numbers linked to the device and analysed other digital activity as part of the probe. During questioning, the accused allegedly made significant revelations that are now being used to take the investigation forward.

The probe also led police to identify another individual whose possible involvement is currently being examined.

To facilitate further recovery, questioning and collection of digital evidence, Yadav was produced before a court and remanded in police custody for two days.

During the remand period, police recovered an additional mobile phone, which investigators said could be important evidence in the case. The device is being examined along with other digital materials to establish how the alleged threats were made and whether further individuals were involved.

After completion of the police remand, Yadav was produced before the court again and sent to jail.

Nuh Police said the investigation remains ongoing and efforts are continuing to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the ransom demand.

Investigators are examining whether Yadav allegedly acted alone or whether other individuals or an organised network were involved in the incident.

Police are also analysing the digital evidence recovered during the investigation and information obtained during interrogation to establish the role, if any, of the suspected associate and identify other persons connected with the case.

Further legal action will be taken on the basis of evidence emerging during the investigation, police said.

The probe will focus on establishing the chain of communication, identifying all those involved, if any, and determining the circumstances behind the alleged attempt to demand ransom from the BJP leader.- Ends