Uddhav Thackeray receives threat calls from 'Dawood's man', security beefed up

An anonymous man allegedly called up Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s resident ‘Matoshree’, claiming that he was calling from Dubai at the behest of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, a police official stated on Sunday.

The caller made two calls around 10:30 pm on Saturday, after which the police augmented security at CM’s resident in Kalanagar Colony, said the official.

"Someone called up on 'Matoshree' phone number two times on Saturday night and said Dawood Ibrahim wanted to talk with CM Uddhav Thackeray. However, the telephone operator did not transfer the call to the CM," the official said."

"The caller did not reveal his identity, but only said that he was calling from Dubai on behalf of Dawood Ibrahim. Both the calls were received around 10.30 pm," he added.

The local police were later apprised about the phone calls, subsequent to which additional force was positioned outside the bunglow.

According to him, no case has been registered in connection to this incident.

Speaking to news agency PTI, a top police official stated, "We are trying to verify whether the calls received were from Dubai or some other place. Investigation is on."

the Cabinet members also described the matter as a ‘serious issue’ and were of the opinion that the Centre should look into it.

"The issue of threat to CM's residence was discussed in today's Cabinet meeting. Everyone was of the view that it's a serious issue and Centre should also look into it. Home Minister Anil Deshmukh told the State Cabinet that police has started the investigation," stated Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office.

Maharashtra Transport Minister Anil Parab, however, repudiated reports that the caller gave a threat to blow up the CM’s bungalow.

"There was no threat to blow up 'Matoshree'," he said.

"As per the preliminary information, the caller said he was Dawood Ibrahim's aide and wanted to speak to the chief minister. Police have been informed about the calls and a probe is on," Parab stated.

Also Read: Dawood Ibrahim not our citizen, says Dominican govt