Surat: A viral WhatsApp message allegedly threatening arson unless labour union leader Ajay Dubey was released led Saroli police to register an FIR and begin an investigation into the source of the messages.According to the FIR registered at Saroli police station, a constable, Jayesh Lallubhai, 38, received information about threatening messages circulated on WhatsApp and lodged the complaint.Police said the accused, Mahesh Singh, allegedly sent WhatsApp messages on Tuesday, demanding Dubey’s immediate release. The messages allegedly threatened arson and violence if the demand was not met.One message allegedly stated: “Ajay Dubey sir ko jaldi se jaldi riya karvaiye, varna hai ek machis, dedh sau ka petrol, yahi chalu hoga” (Release Ajay Dubey as soon as possible, otherwise there will be a matchbox and Rs 150 worth of petrol).The complainant alleged that the messages were intended to create fear and intimidate people. The FIR also refers to threats that could endanger property and public safety. Police cited a recent incident where a man allegedly set goods on fire at Shyam Sangini Complex.With similar messages circulating on social media following Dubey’s arrest in the Khatodara police station extortion case and the detention of several labour activists on Thursday, investigators are examining digital evidence and other material to verify the accused’s role and establish the circumstances behind the threats.Labourer working on Sunday beatenAmid the agitation over the demand for a Sundays off, Amroli police registered an FIR against a labourer, Nilesh Kashyap, for allegedly assaulting another worker for reporting to work on a Sunday.According to the complaint, Majeet Gautam, 21, was on his way to his unit on Wednesday night after buying vegetables when Kashyap stopped him and objected to his working on Sundays. Kashyap and another person allegedly abused and assaulted him. Gautam later approached Amroli police and filed a complaint.
