Anonymous threat letters purportedly issued in the name of Maoists to four Andhra Pradesh ministers have created a stir in political circles, prompting a police investigation into the origin and authenticity of the messages.
The first such letter was received by state tourism and culture minister Kandula Durgesh, following which a complaint was lodged at the Thullur police station.
Subsequently, similar letters surfaced in the offices of three other ministers — Anagani Satya Prasad, Kollu Ravindra and Satya Kumar — raising concerns over their security.
According to officials, the letters contained warnings allegedly from Maoists and threatened harm to the ministers’ family members.
In the case of Minister Durgesh, the letter reached his office at the state secretariat and warned that his family members could face life-threatening danger at the hands of Maoists.
His personal secretary Srinivasa Rao filed a formal complaint with Thullur police on Tuesday night.
The arrival of such letters directly at ministerial offices within the secretariat has caused considerable alarm.
Sources indicate that all four letters carried identical warnings and even mentioned the same phone number, suggesting a coordinated attempt.
Police have begun an inquiry to determine who sent the letters and the motive behind them.
With the Andhra Pradesh assembly currently in session, the incident has assumed political significance.
Responding to the issue, Kandula Durgesh said the letters had caused anxiety among his family members and appeared to have been written deliberately to create fear.
He expressed doubt over Maoist involvement, stating that such communications do not typically resemble Maoist warnings and noting that the tourism department he oversees is relatively small, making it unlikely to attract Maoist attention.
Police have registered a case and are examining multiple angles, including whether the letters were genuinely sent by Maoists or are the handiwork of mischief-makers attempting to create panic.
Investigators are also tracing the origin of the letters and the phone number mentioned in them as part of the ongoing probe.