Maharashtra RTO Officer Receives Threat Call Linked to Lawrence Bishnoi Gang
Incident Overview
A Regional Transport Office (RTO) officer from Thane, Maharashtra, reportedly received a threatening phone call from an individual claiming affiliation with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang while attending an event in Bengaluru. The local police have initiated an investigation into the matter to track down the identified caller.
The threat was formally reported on April 15, when Prasad Shivadas Nalavade, the RTO officer involved, filed a complaint at the Soladevanahalli police station in Bengaluru. A zero First Information Report (FIR) was lodged initially in Maharashtra before being transferred to Bengaluru due to jurisdictional requirements, according to law enforcement officials.
Background of the Threat
Officials indicated that Nalavade had taken enforcement measures against autorickshaw operators accused of using fraudulent permits over an extended period. This action was reportedly undertaken following directives from senior officials in the transport department, which may have resulted in anger from particular groups.
On April 12, while in Bengaluru for a cricket-related event hosted by an association of technical officers from the motor vehicle department, Nalavade received the threat call. This call reportedly lasted around three minutes, during which the caller claimed to be associated with the Bishnoi gang. He accused Nalavade of victimizing drivers and colluding with agents engaged in illegal activities.
Call Details and Response
During the conversation, when Nalavade requested the caller to come to his office to discuss the matter further, the individual declined and proceeded to issue threats. The caller insisted that Nalavade should enhance his security measures, asserting that the situation had escalated to the national capital, Delhi.
Following the telephone encounter, Nalavade promptly filed a complaint with the police, leading to the registration of an FIR and the commencement of an investigation by local authorities.
Investigation Efforts
The police are currently employing various techniques in their investigative efforts, including technical surveillance, analysis of call detail records, and digital tracing, to ascertain the identity of the caller. Authorities are also seeking to determine whether the threat is an act of impersonation or genuinely linked to organized crime.
The ongoing investigation underscores the seriousness with which law enforcement is treating this threatening communication, given the potential implications for the officer’s safety and the integrity of the enforcement operations within the transportation sector.
