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In light of the recent threats issued by US-based Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, security measures have been significantly intensified in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The threat specifically targeted the upcoming fourth Test fixture of the five-match series between India and England scheduled to begin on February 23 at the Jharkhand States Cricket Association (JSCA) International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.
Threats and appeal to CPI (Maoist)
Pannun conveyed his disruptive intentions through social media channels, not only directing the threat towards the cricket game but also calling on the banned CPI (Maoist) group to interfere with the event. The alarming nature of the threat has prompted authorities to take immediate action and enhance security protocols to ensure the safety of players, officials, and spectators.
Deputy superintendent addresses the press
Deputy Superintendent of Police, Hatia, P K Mishra, addressed the press to provide insights into the situation. He revealed that Pannun had explicitly threatened both the Indian and England teams, urging the cancellation of the match in Ranchi. Furthermore, Pannun appealed to the CPI (Maoist) group to create disturbances with the same objective. In response to the threat, an FIR has been lodged against Pannun at Dhurwa police station under the IT Act, and an investigation is underway.
“Gurupatwant Singh Pannun has threatened the India and England teams to cancel the match in Ranchi. He also urged the CPI (Maoist) to create disturbance to cancel the match. An FIR has been lodged against him at Dhurwa police station under the IT Act and an investigation has been initiated,” Mishra was quoted as saying by Deccan Herald.
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India’s resilience in the ongoing series against England
Despite losing the opening Test of the five-game series, India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, has staged a remarkable comeback. After a narrow defeat in Hyderabad, the team bounced back with a comprehensive 106-run victory in Vishakhapatnam, followed by an impressive 434-run win in Rajkot. Notably, key players such as Jasprit Bumrah have been rested for the fourth Test, while Virat Kohli and KL Rahul remain unavailable.
As Ranchi gears up to host the crucial fourth Test, the security apparatus remains on high alert, prioritizing the safety and smooth conduct of the fixture amidst the disruptive threats issued by Pannun. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to ensure a secure environment for all stakeholders involved in the Test match.
