Varanasi lawyer in Gyanwapi and Krishna Janmabhoomi cases files FIR over death threats

VARANASI: A Varanasi-based lawyer lodged a First Information Report (FIR) with the Lanka police on Monday against unknown persons, citing a serious threat to life. The police registered a case under sections 351(3) (criminal intimidation) and 352 (intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of peace) of BNS.Advocate Saurabh Tiwari, a resident of Ratnakar Vihar Ganapati Nagar colony in the Lanka police station area, is a Hindu side counsel in the Gyanwapi and Krishna Janmabhoomi cases. He represents some sensitive cases of the Hindu side before the Allahabad High Court and the District Court of Varanasi.In his complaint, he said he observed suspicious activities in an empty plot adjacent to his house over the past few days. It came to his attention that dozens of youths were consuming heroin and other banned drugs there. On May 22, around 6 PM, he informed the Nagwa police post in-charge, who sent a patrol. With his direct assistance, one young man was caught, while two others escaped. The apprehended individual was taken to Lanka police station by two officers for necessary legal action.However, upon returning to Varanasi late in the evening on May 23, after attending the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi case and another matter, he again noticed suspicious activity. He added that on May 24, between 11 AM and 12 PM, he saw 4 to 5 youths near his house. On the same day at 6:55 PM, while he was walking outside his house, the same young man who was taken by Lanka police approached on a scooter, hurling abuses and threatening to kill him.Some of his abusive language was recorded on CCTV, which he provided to the police. He assessed the situation for a moment and then chased the young man, who fled with his accomplices. Two boys were also seen on a bike on the CCTV. He immediately informed the Nagwa police post in-charge and Lanka police station via mobile, as well as security agencies.He said that in the current situation, there is a serious threat to the safety of him and his family, and anti-social elements could attack at any time. “Therefore, please ensure legal action is taken against the culprits by registering a case under relevant sections,” he urged. The police are investigating the matter.