Syrian under Goa Police lens over ‘ISIS’ threat letter

Three foreign nationals have been detained, one of them Syrian, in connection with a letter threatening to harm Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as security was stepped up at vital establishments and crowded places in Goa.

A Syrian national, whose identity was not disclosed, was detained on Monday night and he is being questioned, IGP Sunil Garg told reporters on Tuesday when asked about progress in the threat letter case.

The letter, received at the state secretariat on January 13, had “ISIS” written on it and threatened to harm Mr Modi and also defence minister Manohar Parrikar. Sympathisers of the terror outfit are suspected to be involved in radicalising youth in India.

“His (Syrian national) visa has expired and he has been overstaying,” Mr Garg added.

Two more foreigners — from Yemen and Nigeria — were taken into custody from a casino on Monday night and are being interrogated separately, said another police official, adding they were staying in the country after expiry of their visas.

Meanwhile, vigil at key establishments and crowded places has been stepped up in Goa, which saw additional rush of domestic tourists over the weekend due to Republic Day holiday.

“The government is concerned about security of citizens and is taking all measures required,” chief minister Laxmikant Parsekar told reporters on the margins of an event here.

“Superintendents of police of both districts (South and North Goa) have reviewed security around vital establishments under their jurisdiction. Gun-wielding policemen have been posted at at these places,” another officer said.

The police has increased surveillance at the beaches, churches, temples and other popular tourist spots, he said.