Bhojpuri cinema superstar singer and actor Ritesh Pandey has reportedly received a life-threatening call involving a heavy extortion demand. The incident has sent shockwaves through the regional film industry, prompting immediate legal action. According to the details provided, the actor was targeted by criminals who demanded a sum of 10 lakh rupees, threatening to kill him if the amount wasn't paid promptly. Ritesh Pandey, who is a well-known face in the Bhojpuri entertainment world and has also ventured into politics, approached the authorities to ensure his safety and the apprehension of the culprits.
Details of the Extortion Call
The sequence of events began on Friday, September 18, when Ritesh Pandey received a phone call on his mobile device. The caller identified himself as Bulbul Yadav, claiming to be a resident of the Sarnath area. What started as a conversation soon turned into a barrage of verbal abuse. The individual, identifying himself as a local 'Don', shifted the tone of the call to a direct threat. He demanded that the actor pay 10 lakh rupees as extortion money. The caller made it clear that failure to comply with this demand would result in Ritesh Pandey being killed.
Involvement of Accomplices
According to the complaint filed by the actor, Bulbul Yadav wasn't alone during the commission of this act. He was accompanied by a friend who also participated in the extortion attempt. This unidentified individual joined in making the demands for money and echoed the death threats against the actor, while the presence of multiple individuals involved in the threat has increased the gravity of the situation, leading the actor to seek immediate police intervention at the Sarnath police station on Saturday.
Police Investigation and Legal Action
Following the formal complaint lodged by Ritesh Pandey, the Sarnath police have taken swift action. Based on the written statement provided by the actor, the police conducted a preliminary investigation into the matter. Late at night, an FIR was officially registered at the Sarnath police station. The case has been filed against Bulbul Yadav and one unidentified person under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The specific sections invoked in the case include Section 351(3), Section 352, and Section 308(5). The police are currently conducting raids and putting pressure on known locations to ensure the timely arrest of Bulbul Yadav and his associate.
Political and Professional Background
Ritesh Pandey isn't only a celebrated figure in the Bhojpuri film and music industry but has also been active in the political landscape of Bihar. He contested the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections from the Kargahar assembly constituency. Although he faced defeat in the elections, his public profile remains significant, making this threat a matter of high concern for the local administration. The actor's transition from the silver screen to the political arena has kept him in the public eye, and the police are looking into all possible angles regarding the motive behind this extortion attempt. As of now, the Sarnath police continue their search for the accused individuals to bring them to justice.