In a chilling escalation of political and communal tension, prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former MLA Sangeet Som has reportedly received a death threat originating from a Bangladeshi phone number. This alarming development follows the politician’s vocal opposition to the inclusion of Bangladeshi cricketers in Shah Rukh Khan’s Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The threat, which specifically mentions “blowing up” the leader in a bomb blast, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Western Uttar Pradesh, prompting a high-level police investigation into international cyber-intimidation.
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🛡️ The Anatomy of a Death Threat: What Happened?
The controversy began when Sangeet Som, known for his “firebrand” rhetoric and firm stance on national security issues, publicly criticized Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The core of the grievance was the selection of a Bangladeshi player for the KKR squad at a time when reports of atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh were making international headlines. Shortly after these statements went viral, the leader’s mobile phone began ringing with international calls.
According to official statements, the calls were initially intercepted by Som’s Personal Assistant (PA). The caller, speaking in a mix of Bengali and broken Hindi, was reportedly screaming and using highly abusive language. When the security detail took the phone, the caller issued a direct ultimatum. The caller allegedly stated that because Sangeet Som and certain news channels were “targeting Muslims” and Shah Rukh Khan, he would be eliminated.
The most harrowing part of the exchange was the caller’s claim of a deep-rooted sleeper cell network. “Do not think we are only in Bangladesh,” the caller reportedly warned. “We are present in every district of your country. We will blow you up.”
🏏 The KKR Controversy: The Spark That Lit the Fire
To understand the gravity of the Sangeet Som death threat, one must look at the preceding events involving the Kolkata Knight Riders. Sangeet Som, a two-time former MLA from the Sardhana constituency, had addressed a public gathering where he lashed out at the management of KKR. He labeled the inclusion of a Bangladeshi player as an “insult” to the sentiment of the nation, citing the ongoing political instability and violence against Hindus in Bangladesh.
Som’s rhetoric was not just limited to cricket; he extended his criticism to the film industry, accusing certain actors of lacking “nationalistic loyalty.” He argued that while India provides the platform and the wealth for these franchises, the inclusion of players from a nation currently embroiled in anti-India sentiment was unacceptable.
Interestingly, following widespread social media campaigns and political pressure, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the franchise eventually saw the player released from the squad. While many supporters saw this as a victory for Som’s narrative, it appears to have painted a target on his back for extremist elements operating across the border.
📞 Digital Evidence: WhatsApp Messages and Abusive Content
The intimidation was not restricted to voice calls. Sangeet Som has provided local authorities with screenshots of WhatsApp messages sent from the same Bangladeshi country code. These messages are reportedly filled with “unmentionable” profanities, communal slurs, and graphic descriptions of violence.
The leader, who was in Haldwani at the time the threats were received, has maintained a defiant stance. In a press briefing, he stated, “These cowardly calls from foreign soil cannot deter me from my path. If they think a phone call or a message will stop me from speaking for my people and my country, they are gravely mistaken.”
The use of WhatsApp for such threats highlights a growing trend of “digital cross-border terrorism,” where individuals or organized groups use encrypted platforms to harass and intimidate Indian political figures without being physically present in the country.
🚔 Police Action and Investigation Details
The Uttar Pradesh police have swung into immediate action. An official First Information Report (FIR) is being processed at the Sardhana police station based on the written complaint submitted by Som.
Senior Police Officials’ Stance:
- Ashutosh Kumar (CO Sardhana): Confirmed the receipt of the complaint and stated that a formal case is being registered. He assured that the technical cell is tracking the call logs.
- Abhijit Kumar (SP Rural): Stated that the police are working with cyber experts to trace the exact location of the caller. While the number shows a Bangladesh origin, investigators are checking for the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) or VOIP (Voice Over IP) services that might mask the true identity of the perpetrator.
Security around the former MLA has been reviewed, and local intelligence units (LIU) have been put on high alert. Given Som’s history as a high-profile target, the authorities are not taking these “bomb threats” lightly.
🚩 Sangeet Som: A Profile in Controversy
Sangeet Som is no stranger to the headlines. As a prominent face of the BJP in Meerut and the surrounding districts, he has often been at the center of the state’s most heated political debates.
- Political Rise: Som rose to prominence in the early 2010s, becoming a key figure in the BJP’s strategy in Western UP.
- Sardhana Stronghold: He represented the Sardhana seat twice, building a reputation as a protector of local interests and a staunch advocate for Hindutva ideology.
- National Security Focus: He has frequently raised issues regarding illegal immigration and “demographic shifts” in the border regions of Uttar Pradesh.
His recent attack on Shah Rukh Khan and KKR is seen by analysts as an extension of his long-standing “Nation First” political brand. By linking sports, cinema, and international relations, Som has managed to tap into a significant segment of public discourse, though it clearly comes with high personal risks.
🌐 The Global Context: Transnational Threats to Indian Leaders
The threat against Sangeet Som is part of a broader, more worrying pattern where Indian politicians are targeted by overseas entities. In recent years, several leaders have received threats from Canada, Pakistan, and now Bangladesh.
This specific incident underscores the volatile nature of India-Bangladesh relations following the recent regime change in Dhaka. As extremist elements gain visibility in the neighboring country, their digital reach into India has become a primary concern for the Ministry of Home Affairs. The mention of “sleeper cells in every district” by the caller is a tactic designed to incite fear and communal disharmony within Indian borders.
📊 Fact Check: The Impact of the KKR Player Release
Was Sangeet Som’s protest the sole reason for the player’s exit? While Som was a loud voice, the reality is a mix of factors:
- Visa Complications: Many Bangladeshi players faced logistical hurdles due to the diplomatic chill.
- Franchise Pressure: Sponsors often shy away from players associated with political controversy.
- BCCI Policy: The board has historically been sensitive to public sentiment regarding players from nations with hostile relations toward India.
Regardless of the “why,” the outcome served to validate Som’s influence, which likely triggered the aggressive response from his detractors across the border.
🛡️ Analysis: Why Sangeet Som is a Target
Security experts suggest that Som is targeted because he serves as a “lightning rod” for communal sentiment. By attacking a global icon like Shah Rukh Khan, Som entered a sphere of influence that transcends local politics. The threat is likely an attempt to:
- Silence Opposition: To stop the leader from further criticizing the current Bangladeshi establishment.
- Provoke Reaction: To cause a localized disturbance in Meerut that could have wider electoral or social implications.
- Show Reach: To demonstrate that extremist supporters can reach the inner circles of Indian leaders via digital means.
📝 Conclusion: A Standoff of Ideologies
The death threat against Sangeet Som is more than just a criminal act; it is a symptom of the deep ideological fractures that define modern South Asian politics. On one side is a political leader who insists that national identity must dictate every facet of life, including sports and entertainment. On the other side are anonymous actors using technology to project power and fear across international borders.
As the Meerut police continue their investigation, the situation remains tense. Sangeet Som has made it clear that his security—or lack thereof—will not dictate his speech. For now, the focus shifts to the cyber-forensics team as they attempt to unmask the voice behind the “Bangla” threats. One thing is certain: the intersection of cricket, cinema, and communal politics in India continues to be a volatile frontier.
❓ Suggested FAQs
Q1: Why did Sangeet Som receive death threats?
A1: Sangeet Som received death threats after he publicly criticized Shah Rukh Khan and his IPL team, KKR, for including a Bangladeshi player. The caller claimed Som was “targeting Muslims” and issued a bomb threat from a Bangladeshi number.
Q2: What did the caller say to Sangeet Som?
A2: The caller, speaking in Bengali, threatened to “blow up” Sangeet Som. He claimed that his associates were present in every district of India and that they would eliminate the leader for his comments against Shah Rukh Khan.
Q3: Has an FIR been registered in the Sangeet Som threat case?
A3: Yes, Sangeet Som has submitted a formal complaint to the Sardhana police station. Senior officials, including the SP Rural, have confirmed that an investigation is underway to trace the international caller.
Q4: What was the controversy regarding Shah Rukh Khan and KKR?
A4: Sangeet Som accused Shah Rukh Khan of being “disloyal” for including a Bangladeshi cricketer in the Kolkata Knight Riders squad during a time of unrest in Bangladesh. He argued that players from countries hostile to Indian interests should not be part of the IPL.
Q5: Is Sangeet Som safe now?
A5: While the leader has stated he is not afraid, his security detail has been alerted, and the Uttar Pradesh police are conducting a thorough risk assessment following the bomb threat
External Source: Patrika Report
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