BJP VP Vinay Katiyar claims threat to life

Bharatiya Janata Party vice president and former Vinay Katiyar has claimed threat to his life by unidentified Islamic extremists.

His detractors however see no truth in the complaint, which they alleged was prompted largely on account of the proposed review of his special 'Z' security cover next week.

Katiyar, who shot into fame for spearheading the Ayodhya temple movement in the late eighties and early nineties as founder of Hindu hardliner Bajrang Dal, lodged a First Information Report with the Ram Janmbhoomi police station in Ayodhya alleging that he had received a threatening call from an unidentified caller in Dubai.

According to the FIR registered on Tuesday, the call was received on the mobile number belonging to Katiyar's son.

Even as the Mayawati government referred the matter to the Special Task Force, Katiyar's real intent behind the move was widely believed to be the security review that the state home department was currently undertaking for all VIPs who were enjoying the special privilege.

"We have asked the STF to probe into Mr. Katiyar's complaint," Inspector General (law and order) Bhavesh Kumar Singh told mediapersons and will take a call accordingly.