File photo
NEW DELHI: The jhalmuri vendor from West Bengal’s Jhargram, who recently came into the spotlight after serving jhalmuri to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during state assembly elections, has alleged that he is receiving threatening calls from Pakistan and Bangladesh.Vikram Sao claimed that unknown callers have been repeatedly threatening and abusing him over the phone following his viral interaction with the Prime Minister during Modi’s recent visit to West Bengal.He alleged that the threatening calls have been coming daily for the past few days from international numbers.“I am getting repeated threat calls from Pakistan via video and phone calls. They are threatening to blow me up with bombs,” he told news agency IANS.“I did not say anything to them; I just disconnect the calls. Then another call is coming from Bangladesh asking whether I am alive or not.”He further claimed that some callers made frightening gestures during video calls and allegedly brandished weapons while threatening him with “dire consequences”.He also alleged that he has been receiving repeated calls from unknown numbers along with abusive language and harassment.
Police security provided
Sao said he has informed the police about the threats and that a few policemen have now been assigned for his security.According to Sao, both he and his family are now worried for their safety amid the repeated threat calls. Police have reportedly launched a probe after the matter was escalated.However, he said he still fears for his safety as he travels alone on his bicycle. “I go alone on my cycle and feel afraid for my life,” he said, adding that he is the sole breadwinner of his family.He also appealed to Prime Minister Modi to ensure his protection.
Vendor went viral after PM’s visit
The jhalmuri vendor became widely known after PM Modi stopped at his stall in Jhargram during an election campaign visit in West Bengal..The Prime Minister walked up to the stall after addressing a rally and said, “Bhai, hume apna jhalmuri khilao.” During the brief interaction, PM Modi asked the vendor about the price of the snack and later joked, “Haan, pyaaz khaate hain. Dimag nahi khaate bass,” after the vendor asked whether he eats onions.The video of the interaction quickly went viral on social media and crossed millions of views within a day. Curious locals later began visiting Sao’s stall to hear about his interaction with the Prime Minister.The incident also triggered political reactions in the state. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had termed the episode a “drama” during a rally in Birbhum.BJP workers in several parts of the country later celebrated election victories by distributing jhalmuri, turning the snack into a political talking point after PM Modi’s visit to the stall.
