A major security concern has surfaced in Chhattisgarh’s Balod district after a judicial magistrate received a threatening letter demanding a ransom of ₹3 crore. The letter also contained direct threats to the magistrate and his family, triggering immediate police action.

Incident Overview

The case is from the Gundardehi police station area, where First Judicial Magistrate Prashant Kumar Devangan, posted at the local court, received a sealed envelope through postal delivery. The letter was handed over at his office on March 27 around 3:25 PM. Upon opening it, he discovered life-threatening warnings along with a demand for a large sum of money.

Content of the Threat Letter

The letter reportedly warned that if the ransom demand of ₹3 crore was not fulfilled, the magistrate and his family would be killed. It also contained abusive and accusatory language, claiming misuse of judicial authority. The sender accused the magistrate of accepting bribes and delivering unfair judgments that allegedly harmed common citizens.

Serious Allegations Made in the Letter

The anonymous sender alleged that the magistrate had been passing orders influenced by monetary gain and misusing his position of power. The letter also extended accusations toward court staff, claiming that case files were being mishandled or made to disappear after illegal payments. It further stated that the magistrate showed arrogance due to his position.

Claim of Naxal Connection

To intensify fear and pressure, the sender claimed affiliation with a Naxalite organization. However, authorities have not verified this claim, and it is currently part of the ongoing investigation. Police are treating the letter as a serious extortion attempt coupled with a direct threat to life.

Police Response and Investigation

After receiving the complaint from the magistrate, Gundardehi police registered a formal case on Wednesday around 5 PM. Officials have initiated an investigation to trace the origin of the letter, including postal tracking and forensic examination. Security measures around the magistrate and his family are also being reviewed.

Ongoing Inquiry

Authorities are examining whether the letter is linked to any organized group or if it is the work of an individual attempting to intimidate or extort money. The investigation aims to verify all claims made in the letter and identify the sender behind the threats.