Australian authorities are investigating the purported online death threat targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of his visit to Australia for the Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit. The threat was posted on Facebook on the eve of the Prime Minister's three-day visit, and security agencies have been beefed up for the first time in over a year, it said.
According to the report, the threat appeared in the comments section of a Facebook post promoting the “Melbourne Meets Modi” community event, which will take place at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on July 9. It will attract thousands of members of the Indian diaspora and supporters during Prime Minister Modi’s visit.
The comment, allegedly posted by a Facebook account with the name Abu Mustafa (ابو مصطفى), said: "The roof tops of the stadium better close during the event or he will be coming to Australia for his death." The post has since drawn the attention of Australian law enforcement agencies.
According to The Australia Today, the IP address on the account has been identified for the investigation. The message is being investigated and if it is a serious security concern, authorities have said.
The AFP has said it's aware of the matter but declined to comment on the matter as it is a matter under investigation. No arrests have been made so far. But several Australian security agencies are now working as a team to guarantee the safety of Prime Minister Modi during his visit.
Security arrangements will be significantly enhanced for all official visits, bilateral meetings, public appearances, and the "Melbourne Meets Modi" event at Marvel Stadium.
Modi will visit Australia from July 8 to July 10, and will meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the Australia-India Annual Leaders' Summit as part of his trip. The summit will focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, defence, clean energy, technology, education, and regional security.
In advance of the visit, Prime Minister Albanese described India as one of Australia's most important strategic and economic partners.
"As the world’s fourth-largest and fastest-growing economy, India is a critical economic partner for Australia. I am proud to welcome my friend Prime Minister Modi to Australia for our Annual Leaders’ Summit," Albanese said.
The Australia-India partnership has been growing very rapidly in recent years, with both countries working together in many sectors through the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The annual leaders’ summit will build upon these and look forward to new cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Authorities have not disclosed any additional security measures, but the investigation underlines Australia’s dedication to the safety of visiting world leaders and the security of major public events like this.
