Indian cricket star Mohammed Shami has found himself at the center of a disturbing incident after receiving a chilling death threat via email, accompanied by a demand for Rs 1 crore. The threat, which surfaced while Shami is busy with his Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 commitments, has prompted swift police action and heightened concerns about the safety of public figures in India.
The Shocking Email: What Happened?
The incident came to light when Shami’s brother, Haseeb Ahmed, accessed the cricketer’s email account on May 4, 2025, to check for important messages. Among the usual correspondence, an alarming email stood out. Sent by an individual using the name “Rajput Sindhar,” the message threatened Shami’s life and demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore. The email also referenced a person named Prabhakar from Bengaluru, though the family says they do not know this individual.
Key Details from the FIR
- Sender: Rajput Sindhar (email ID under investigation)
- Threat: Explicit warning of harm to Mohammed Shami
- Ransom: Demand for Rs 1 crore
- Mentioned Individual: Prabhakar from Bengaluru
- Complaint Filed By: Haseeb Ahmed (Shami’s brother)
- Location: Amroha, Uttar Pradesh
Police Response: Swift Action and Ongoing Probe
Upon discovering the email, Haseeb Ahmed immediately filed a formal complaint with the Amroha Police. Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar Anand confirmed that the cyber cell and crime branch are actively investigating. Authorities have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Information Technology Act, and digital forensics experts are working to trace the sender’s identity and location.
“Efforts are underway to identify the sender and trace their location using digital forensics tools,” a police official stated.
Shami’s Current Situation: Under Pressure On and Off the Field
This incident comes at a challenging time for Shami, who is currently representing Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025. The fast bowler has faced criticism for his recent performances, managing only six wickets in nine matches with a high economy rate. Despite these struggles, Shami remains one of India’s most accomplished pacers, with a celebrated international career and accolades like the Arjuna Award.
Rising Threats Against Public Figures
Unfortunately, Shami’s ordeal is not an isolated case. High-profile personalities in India, including cricketers and Bollywood stars, have increasingly faced threats and extortion attempts. Earlier this year, celebrities like Kapil Sharma and Rajpal Yadav also received similar threats, highlighting the risks that come with fame in the digital age.
Why Are Such Threats Increasing?
- Easy access via digital platforms
- Anonymity of email and social media
- Public scrutiny and polarization
- Potential for financial extortion
What’s Next in the Investigation?
The Amroha police, cyber cell, and crime branch are collaborating to:
- Trace the origin of the threat email
- Identify and apprehend the sender(s)
- Ensure the safety of Mohammed Shami and his family
- Authorities have assured the public that all necessary steps are being taken to bring the perpetrator to justice and prevent harm to the cricketer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who sent the death threat to Mohammed Shami?
The email was sent by someone using the name “Rajput Sindhar.” Police are investigating to confirm the sender’s true identity.
Q2: What action have the police taken so far?
The Amroha police have registered a case, involved the cyber cell and crime branch, and are using digital forensics to trace the sender.
Q3: Has Mohammed Shami faced threats before?
There are no public records of previous threats to Shami, but similar incidents have affected other Indian celebrities recently.
Q4: Is Shami’s participation in IPL 2025 affected?
As of now, Shami continues to play for Sunrisers Hyderabad, though the situation is being closely monitored.
Q5: Why are celebrities in India receiving more threats?
The rise in digital communication, social media, and public visibility has made it easier for individuals to send threats and extortion demands to celebrities.
Conclusion
The death threat against Mohammed Shami is a stark reminder of the dangers public figures face in today’s digital world. As police intensify their investigation, fans and the cricketing community hope for Shami’s safety and a swift resolution to the case. The incident also underscores the need for stronger cyber security and support for those in the public eye.