Indian MP Rajesh Ranjan, commonly known as Pappu Yadav, has reached out to the central government for upgraded security, citing an alleged threat from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

Yadav requested a shift from his current ‘Y’ security to ‘Z’ security in an email addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on October 21, according to Indian media reports.

Under the existing ‘Y’ security arrangement, the lawmaker from Purnia receives one gunman for mobile protection and one (with four on rotation) for static security. In contrast, ‘Z’ security would provide him with six gunmen for mobile protection and two (with eight additional) for residence security.

India’s top investigative body, the National Investigation Agency (NIA), accused the 31-year-old law graduate, in jail since 2015, of running a trans-national crime syndicate.

Born in the northern state of Punjab, Bishnoi is short and lean, sporting a beard and moustache when seen in public for court appearances.

In statements, the NIA has said he runs his syndicate from jails in different states, as well as countries such as Canada, through associates, who have been in contact with “pro-Khalistani” elements in neighbouring Nepal and other countries.

Yadav, a six-term MP, included a purported audio recording of a threatening phone call in his email.

In the clip, a caller warns his assistant that the MP should “think before he speaks,” referring to the Indian MP’s statements claiming he could take down the Lawrence Bishnoi gang if allowed by the government.

He has voiced concerns over the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the country, particularly in light of the recent murder of former minister and Congress leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai.

While the Indian MP did not disclose when he received a threatening phone call, he claimed that both he and his family have been subjected to ongoing threats since he embarked on his political career.

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He expressed frustration with the state government’s “lack of action” regarding his earlier complaints about such threats, although he did not provide specific details about those complaints.

“I have been elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly once and to the Lok Sabha six times. During this time, I and my family have been attacked on multiple occasions,” he said and claimed that the state government and home ministry seemed inactive regarding his security.“

“If this is not done, I may be murdered at any time,” he said while reiterating his concern.