RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan gets threat by e-mail; police files case

MUMBAI: Mumbai Police is reviewing Reserve Bank Governor Raghuram Rajan’s security after he received an email allegedly from Islamic State of Iraq & Syria (ISIS), threatening to kill him.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Dhananjay Kulkarni said the protection branch of city police is “conducting a review” of Rajan’s security. He refused to reveal whether the RBI governor’s security would be upgraded. Meanwhile, the Union home ministry has sought a report from the Maharashtra government on the threat to Rajan, and will review his security subsequently.

Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria confirmed the police were investigating the threat. “We received an application about the email three weeks ago. We are looking into it,” he said. The cyber cell of the force is probing the case. Officers in Mumbai Police believe the email is a prank, but said they would nevertheless provide extra security.

Police officials have conducted a review of security arrangements at the RBI headquarters in Mumbai and suggested more stringent checks of visitors.

RBI security officials have been asked to ensure that all CCTVs are functioning and to report any suspicious activity in the area. As a precautionary measure, vacant cabs would not be allowed to park near the building. The governor is currently in Washington to attend the spring meetings of International Monetary Fund.

The threat mail sent from the email Id ‘isis583847@gmail.com’ said the Islamist terror group had hired a person to kill Rajan. But the person appeared to be a double-crosser, and offered to drop the attempt if paid by Rajan. Rajan is among the most prominent technocrats in the country, who boasts of international acclaim.

Global investors have applauded him for stabilising the Indian financial markets with robust policies. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said Rajan’s monetary policies were helping put the country on a sound footing.