Nagpur bullion traders get letters in Lawrence Bishnoi's name demanding Rs 10 lakh each

Ahead of Diwali, panic has spread through Nagpur's bullion market. Eight to ten bullion traders in the city have been sent threatening letters in the name of the notorious criminal Lawrence Bishnoi. The letters demand extortion money of Rs 10 lakh from each trader.

The letters reportedly threaten serious attacks, including being shot dead, if the money is not paid. Notably, the threats were made neither by phone nor by online message; the letters were sent directly by post. Traders are fearful at being targeted during the festival season.

According to the information available, the letters carry Lawrence Bishnoi's name and ask each trader to pay Rs 10 lakh. Some traders have been given three days to pay, others five. The letters warn of serious consequences if the money is not paid within the set time.

The threat in the letters is being treated as more serious. It is understood that the traders have been threatened with an attack similar to the one on actor Tiger Shroff. It is also reported that anyone willing to pay must write "Jai Shri Ram" outside their shop, after which, according to the letter, someone from the sender's side will contact them. The matter has raised the question of traders' safety.

Taking the matter seriously, Rajesh Rokde, national president of the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), has complained to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil has also reportedly been informed.

The association has demanded that bullion traders be given full protection and that immediate steps be taken to prevent such incidents. Police have meanwhile told traders not to panic but to stay alert, and to contact police immediately if they receive a threatening letter, call or message.

Police are investigating who sent the letters, who is behind them, and who tried to spread fear by using Lawrence Bishnoi's name. The threats by post have heightened traders' worries during the festival days.