Former Dy CM KS Eshwarappa seeks Y-category security after fresh threat call from abroad

Shivamogga: Former Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader KS Eshwarappa has sought restoration of Y-category security after allegedly receiving a fresh threat call from an overseas number.

Eshwarappa submitted a formal representation to Shivamogga Superintendent of Police Nikhil B on Thursday, expressing apprehension over his life and urging the authorities to take immediate action.

According to Eshwarappa, on January 8 he received a missed call on his mobile phone from an international number, +358465445069. When he attempted to return the call, it did not connect.

Suspecting it to be a threat call, he stated that the incident has heightened concerns about his personal safety. He recalled that in the past too, he had received similar threat calls from abroad, following which the state government had provided him Y-category security.

Addressing reporters after submitting the memorandum, Eshwarappa said that he had earlier received threat calls on two occasions from foreign sources. He had demanded a thorough investigation to ascertain which anti-national individual or organisation was behind those calls.

However, he alleged that despite assurances, the authorities have not yet disclosed who made those calls or from which country they originated. Eshwarappa noted that earlier, considering the security threat, police personnel were deployed at his residences in Bengaluru and Shivamogga, and he was also provided escort during his travels across the state.

However, around three months ago, the government downgraded his security from Y-category to X-category. He expressed concern that the withdrawal of higher security might have emboldened miscreants to target him again.

“The fact that my Y-category security was withdrawn may have been noticed by anti-national elements. That could be the reason another threat call has come now,” he said. Eshwarappa added that he visited the SP’s office along with members of his Rashtrabhakta Balaga to seek protection and demand a proper probe into the latest incident.

He urged both the state and central governments to conduct a detailed investigation to identify the individuals or organisations behind the threat calls and to ensure his safety. Eshwarappa claimed that the Superintendent of Police had assured him that the matter would be examined seriously and that steps would be taken regarding his security cover.

The incident has once again brought the issue of security for senior political leaders into focus, especially those who claim to face repeated threats from unknown and foreign sources.

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