Bhubaneswar: The origin of the e-mail with an audio clip sent to journalists in Odisha, threatening to disrupt the annual DGP-IGP Conference in Bhubaneswar, has been traced to Canada.
Sources in Crime Branch of Odisha Police, which was tasked to verify the threat mail allegedly sent by Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, informed on Tuesday.
The anti-crime agency identified the use of two virtual private network (VPN) systems, one traced back to Canada and the other to the United States. The officials stated that they suspect that these threats originated from these two countries.
The origin of the mail was determined after examining the IP address.
The audio clip was recorded using an application and also originated from outside the country. No individual from Odisha has any link with the threat mail and audio message, the sources added.
The Special Task Force of the Crime Branch had earlier approached Google, seeking detailed information about the threat messages. It plans to report the findings to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and may also seek assistance from Interpol if required, the sources added.
The 59th DG-IG conference held from November 29 to December 1 was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and top security officials.
Sources earlier said that the domain Pannun, who is dual citizen of the United States and Canada, used was booked just two days before the threat mail was sent.
The audio clip was second such message in three days and warned travellers to avoid flying to and from Biju Patnaik International Airport here on December 1. The message from the designated terrorist under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), also announced award for anyone who raises Khalistan’s flag during the event in the city. He also asked his supporters to target the conference at Lok Seva Bhawan.
On November 28, Pannun had also dared the PM to visit Ram Mandir here to meet devotees and urged “Naxals, Maoists, Kashmiri fighters” to disguise and take cover in temples, hotels in the city, prompting Odisha Police to re-evaluate security arrangements.
Also Read: Khalistani Separatist Pannun Threatens To Disrupt Odisha DGP Meet, Calls Bhubaneswar ‘Terror City’
