Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh: In a disturbing incident that has raised serious concerns about the safety of public officials, Ritu Rani, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Dhampur tehsil, received death threats and a ransom demand of ₹15 lakh from an unidentified sender via text messages on her official mobile number.
Ms Rani cracked the UPPCS exam in 2019, secured Rank 34, and became an SDM.
The threats were accompanied by a chilling reference to the high-profile murder of NIA DSP Tanzil Ahmed, who was assassinated in 2016 in a brutal attack that shocked the nation.
Threat Messages Sent with Ransom Barcodes
According to SDM Ritu Rani’s written complaint filed at Kotwali Dhampur police station, the threatening messages were received on July 24 at around 2:50 p.m. on her Closed User Group (CUG) mobile number. The anonymous sender included multiple payment barcodes and mobile numbers, demanding that the officer transfer ₹15 lakh or face dire consequences.
“The message warned that I would be killed and mentioned the DSP Tanzil Ahmed case, clearly to instil fear and exert psychological pressure,” the SDM stated.
Screenshots of the messages and barcodes were submitted as evidence to the police.
Chilling Reference to DSP Tanzil Ahmed’s Assassination
The threat cited the 2016 assassination of NIA officer Tanzil Ahmed, who was shot dead in front of his children by two assailants on a motorcycle while returning home from a family function. The case had made national headlines, especially since Ahmed was involved in high-stakes terror investigations, including those linked to the Indian Mujahideen.
The accused in that case – Mohd Raiyyan and Muneer – were sentenced to death, although Muneer later died in Sonbhadra jail from a kidney-related illness.
The direct reference to that murder has heightened the seriousness of the current threat.
Police Register Case, Begin Probe
Bijnor Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhishek Jha confirmed that a case has been registered under relevant sections related to cybercrime, extortion, and criminal intimidation.
“We are treating the matter with utmost seriousness. A joint team of Dhampur police and the cyber surveillance unit is working to trace the sender and determine the source of the messages,” he said.
Circle Officer Abhay Kumar Pandey added that multiple mobile numbers were used in the messages, and technical efforts are underway to track them.
The SDM’s security has been enhanced in the wake of the threats.
Officer Responds, Seeks Action
Speaking to media, SDM Ritu Rani confirmed the threat and said she was cooperating with the authorities fully. “I trust the police to act swiftly. Such tactics of fear and intimidation will not stop us from doing our duty,” she said.
