Jalandhar MLA Raman Arora, booked in extortion and graft cases, receives another ‘threat call’

The Jalandhar Central MLA, who has been embroiled in multiple legal controversies, alleged that the caller did not reveal their identity or the name of any gang behind the threat.

However, political sources suspect that the MLA may be using the latest threat call incident to regain his security cover that was withdrawn by the Punjab Government following his involvement in a corruption case filed by the Vigilance Bureau.

“We are currently investigating the case and trying to trace the caller’s location through the foreign number used. The MLA’s safety and security will be our priority,” said a police officer.

Arora was arrested in May and had spent several months in Nabha Jail for allegedly extorting money for corporation-related works. Though he was granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court in September, he was re-arrested in connection with the same charges shortly after. The MLA was later released on bail.

It is alleged that the threats may be linked to Arora’s involvement in the high-profile corruption case linked to the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation. Despite the ongoing legal troubles, Arora maintains that the extortion charges against him are politically motivated, aimed at keeping him out of the political arena.

In 2022, Arora claimed that he had received offers from the BJP to switch over to the saffron party for ₹25 crore. He also had confronted the then Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner of Police by using objectionable language, and his supporters were also accused of roughing up the officer.