Delhi based singer Mohd Asif, better known by his stage name Bismil, has become the target of an alleged extortion attempt. The threats reportedly came from unidentified callers using international phone numbers, prompting Delhi Police’s Special Cell to step in and register a formal case.
According to the FIR, the trouble started on April 20 this year. Bismil’s manager, Vibhor Hasija, received a phone call from a Portugal based number. The caller allegedly demanded Rs 5 crore as extortion money.
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More calls and voice notes follow
The threats did not stop there. Police say another threatening call came through on April 23, this time from a different international number, along with several voice notes sent to the manager.
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During these calls, the person allegedly identified himself as gangster Deepak Nandal and continued making threats against the singer and his team.
An earlier complaint with Haryana Police
Before the case reached Delhi Police, an initial complaint had already been filed with Haryana Police. That complaint led to an FIR being registered there as well, showing the threats had been reported early on, even before they escalated further.
The situation reportedly intensified on May 13. This time, Bismil himself received a call warning him to convince his manager to pay the demanded amount, or face serious consequences.
The caller allegedly went a step further, threatening to open fire during the singer’s live performances if the extortion demand was not met.
Adding to the pressure, threatening voice notes were also sent through WhatsApp from a UK based number. Following these repeated threats, Bismil reportedly switched off his phone entirely due to growing security concerns for his safety.
Delhi Police steps in
Acting on a complaint received on May 29, the Delhi Police Special Cell registered an FIR under Sections 308(5) and 351(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police are now working to trace the origin of the international calls made to both Bismil and his manager. Investigators are also trying to establish the real identity of the individuals behind the threats.
A key part of the investigation involves determining whether this extortion attempt has any connection to a larger organised criminal network, given the use of multiple international numbers and the invoking of a known gangster’s name during the calls.
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