Death threats, targeted hatred: Ex-BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma gets security

Suspended Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson Nupur Sharma was provided security by the Delhi Police in the wake of death threats she has received over her controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammed.

The former BJP spokesperson had lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police on May 27 alleging that she has been receiving death threats and target hatred against her.

Based on this complaint, an FIR was registered under sections 506 (Punishment for criminal intimidation), 507 (Criminal intimidation by an anonymous communication) and 509 (Word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code at the Special Cell police station against unidentified people.

However, during the probe, Sharma lodged another complaint against certain persons regarding promoting enmity.

"After examining the said complaint, section 153 (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) of the IPC was added in this case," Delhi Police spokesperson Suman Nalwa said.

The controversial statement made by Nupur Sharma has set off an international furore. Several Muslim nations, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Indonesia and Iran, as well as the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have officially protested and demanded an apology.

Following the uproar, the Bharatiya Janata Party suspended Sharma and another leader, Naveen Kumar Jindal, who also made insulting comment against Prophet Muhammad on social media.

Delhi BJP president Adesh Gupta told IANS that there is no place for indiscipline in the party and no one is allowed to cross the party line.