Congress MLA in Madhya Pradesh Receives Death Threat on Video: Political Tensions Rise in Shivpuri

Congress MLA Kailash Kushwaha (L) and accused Prabhat Rawat (R)

A serious political confrontation unfolded in Madhya Pradesh's Shivpuri district after a video emerged showing a sarpanch's husband threatening to kill Congress MLA Kailash Kushwaha. The alarming video, which has since gone viral, was recorded while the legislator was returning home from the Assembly and has prompted police to launch a comprehensive investigation.

The incident involves Prabhat Rawat, husband of sarpanch Pooja Rawat from Kushwaha's Pohri constituency. According to the MLA, Prabhat made multiple threatening calls on December 7 night, initially using abusive language before escalating to explicit death threats.

In the widely-circulated recording, Prabhat Rawat can be heard declaring, "I will kill you... I will make you forget politics." His threats continued with warnings about breaking the MLA's leg, even acknowledging that such an assault would result in a two-year imprisonment.

Kushwaha, who remained on the video call throughout the confrontation, calmly responded: "I am at home... I am waiting for you."

The entire exchange was captured on video as the MLA traveled in his vehicle. During the call, Rawat continued his intimidation, threatening to "erase him from politics" and criticizing the MLA for "posting too many videos" recently.

Kushwaha later mentioned that during the conversation, he sensed someone might have been pressuring Rawat to speak, though he couldn't confirm this suspicion.

"You have never harmed me, I have never harmed you... Why are you doing this?" the MLA questioned during the call.

Rather than answering, Rawat persisted with abusive language and continued threats, demonstrating what appeared to be a clear intention to attack the legislator.

Following the MLA's formal complaint, Shivpuri Police registered a case against the sarpanch's husband. Superintendent of Police Aman Singh Rathore verified this development.

"We have received the MLA's complaint. A detailed investigation has been initiated. Whatever truth emerges, strict legal action will follow," Rathore stated.

Kushwaha has reportedly known sarpanch Pooja Rawat for approximately 10 years. The conflict seemingly originated after the MLA recorded and publicly shared a video highlighting development projects in the village panchayat and rural areas, while also raising certain objections. This apparently triggered the threats from Pooja's husband.

Prabhat Rawat surrendered himself in court on Wednesday, after which police took him into custody. Rawat, a resident of Singhniwas village, has 17 criminal cases registered against him and has previously been externed from the area.

Kushwaha is the sole Congress MLA among Shivpuri district's five Assembly constituencies, representing Pohri. The legislator claims that Rawat had previously posted threatening comments on his Facebook account as well, for which he had already filed a complaint with the Superintendent of Police's office.