Chirag Paswan gets death threat on social media, police complaint lodged

New Delhi, July 12, 2025 – In a disturbing development, Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan has received a death threat through social media. The threat, reportedly posted on a now-deactivated account, has prompted swift action from his team, who have lodged an official police complaint in Delhi. The incident has sparked serious concerns over the safety of public figures in India and the growing misuse of digital platforms for intimidation and hate speech.

Details of the Threat and Legal Action

According to sources close to Chirag Paswan, the threat message was posted on a public social media platform late Thursday evening. The post contained abusive language and warned of harm to Paswan if he did not "change his political stance." Screenshots of the threatening message were quickly circulated online, prompting outrage among supporters and netizens.

Paswan’s office confirmed that an official First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Parliament Street police station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including sections related to criminal intimidation and threats to life. The Delhi Police Cyber Cell is currently investigating the origin of the message and attempting to trace the IP address associated with the anonymous account.

Minister’s Reaction

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament on Friday, Chirag Paswan said:

“I am not scared, but this incident raises serious questions about how freely threats are being issued on public platforms. I urge law enforcement agencies to take strict action and set an example.”

He further added that such attempts to silence political voices through intimidation will not succeed and emphasized the need for stronger digital safety norms.

Political Reactions and Security Review

The threat has triggered a strong political reaction, with leaders from across party lines condemning the incident. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Paswan of complete support and directed central agencies to monitor the case closely.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, despite political differences with Paswan, called the threat “unacceptable in a democratic society” and called for enhanced coordination between cyber law enforcement and state security agencies.

Security for Chirag Paswan has reportedly been tightened following the threat. His Z-category security detail is being reviewed, and additional precautions are being taken for his upcoming public engagements.

Expert Analysis: A Reflection of Growing Digital Threats

Cybersecurity experts believe this incident is not isolated and highlights a growing trend of cyber-enabled threats against public figures. According to digital policy analyst Nikhil Sinha:

“There is a pressing need for real-time monitoring and a more proactive approach by platforms. Despite several policy updates by tech giants, enforcement is still weak in the Indian context.”

Sinha added that the case may serve as a test for Indian authorities on how quickly and effectively they can respond to cyber intimidation, especially when it involves national leaders.

Market and Investor Context

While the incident may not have an immediate economic impact, investor sentiment can be indirectly affected by rising political instability or perceived threats to democratic functioning. Political violence or online extremism creates uncertainty that can weigh on investor confidence.

Markets remained stable on Friday, with the Nifty 50 and Sensex both closing in the green. However, analysts noted that prolonged political tensions, especially those involving central ministers, could lead to short-term volatility.

Financial analyst Devina Kapoor of Shree Capital Advisors noted:

“Investors look at overall political stability and law enforcement efficiency when making long-term commitments. The government’s response to such threats can either strengthen investor confidence or trigger risk-averse behavior.”

Outlook: Need for a Unified Digital Safety Framework

The Chirag Paswan death threat episode is the latest in a series of incidents that have exposed vulnerabilities in India's digital landscape. While law enforcement has made strides in cybercrime tracking, experts say the need for a unified national digital safety law has become more urgent.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is expected to release its updated Digital India Act draft later this year, which could include stronger measures against online threats and stricter accountability for social media platforms.

Until then, cases like Paswan’s underline the importance of cyber vigilance