Is IS planning to target Bollywood now?

Entertainment Desk: Mumbai police commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar on Tuesday said the information that the alleged Indian wing of ISIS had planned to target Bollywood stars for extortion was "primary" and assured providing security to any film personality who feels "threatened" and approaches police.

According to media reports, the Janood-ul-Khalifa-Hind, the alleged Indian wing of terror outfit Islamic State, had considered extorting money from Bollywood stars.

The reports claimed that two alleged top commanders of the module busted by security agencies earlier this year had revealed about the Islamic State`s "Bollywood plans" in interrogation.

However, Padsalgikar clarified that the reports on the terror outfit generating funds through extortion are "primary" in nature.

"First and foremost, the information we have about this is primary. When we will get all the details then only something concrete can be said," the top cop said.

He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a police-public meeting organised at suburban Sakinaka police station.

"We have already provided security to these people in that area (Bollywood) (in general). However, if anyone feels intimidated or threatened then let them come to us, we will provide all sorts of security to them," he said.

Asked if Mumbai police was contemplating to grant security to any Bollywood personalities specifically, the commissioner said, "If anyone approaches us or files a complaint, we will act accordingly."

Asked if Mumbai police was unaware about the alleged radicalisation of Muslim youths, Padsalgikar said, "We have got immense support from the community people, parents, teachers and professors, and all this has yielded extremely good response in de-radicalising youths."

The top cop had organised such meetings in areas such as suburban Malad and Chirag Nagar where cases of radicalisation of Muslim youths had reportedly come to light.

Speaking on the occasion, senior inspector of Sakinaka police station Avinash Dharmadhikari denied any such instances under his jurisdiction, saying police were getting very good support from local leaders and community representatives.

"I have got every sort of support from each quarters of society in which locals know each other well. I can say that there is no such development taking place within my territory," said Dharmadhikari.

Source: Agencies

risingbd/Dhaka/May 26, 2016/Maruf khan/Amirul