Security scaled up after SMS threatens to 'eliminate' Nitish

A mobile message allegedly threatening to "eliminate" Nitish Kumar was received by a private TV channel in Patna on Thursday, prompting police to beef up security of the Bihar chief minister.

Patna Senior Superintendent of Police Vikash Vaibhav told PTI that on the basis of the SMS, the police lodged an FIR under Section 387 of IPC (putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt in order to commit extortion).

The case was registered at Sri Krishan Puri police station, the SSP said adding investigation is on in the matter.

Though police refused to provide any more information on the issue, the office of Kashish TV channel, which allegedly received the SMS, said the message was sent from outside the state over official mobile phone and was displayed on the channel during a programme.

Kumar has Z plus security and his security has been scaled up since the threat, the Patna SSP said.