Haryana police join hunt for Tharoor ‘threat’ SMS sender

NEW DELHI - The Haryana police Thursday joined Delhi police in searching for the person who sent “threatening” messages to Minister of State of External Affairs Shashi Tharoor and “filthy” messages to Marxist leader Brinda Karat.

Haryana police were investigating “filthy messages” sent to some people in Sonepat district. The mobile number used in sending the messages was procured on the identity of Manik Verma, a resident of Hari Nagar in west Delhi. Verma works as a gym instructor in the national capital.

Verma was picked up for questioning by officers of the Mandir Marg police station Wednesday evening, but was later let off.

Police said “filthy” messages were sent to Karat from the mobile number procured in Verma’s name. His ID was also used to send a threatening message to Tharoor.

A case has been already registered in this regard. The police believe that the same person is involved in all cases.

Threat messages were sent to Shashi Tharoor from a mobile phone connection procured in his (Verma’s) name. We believe that he is innocent and some one has fraudulently obtained mobile phone connections in his name, said a senior police officer.

He told us that he lost his driving licence some time ago. Some one is using the same to buy mobile phone connections fraudulently, the officer said.

The Tharoor case is being investigated by the Special Cell of Delhi Police.

According to rules, mobile phone connections are sold only after getting address proof and a photograph from the customers.

Police officials from both Haryana and Delhi have questioned Verma and are yet to make any headway in the case.