Justice Ravi Kumar Diwakar, an additional sessions judge, gained attention when he authorized a videographic survey of Varanasi’s Gyanvapi Mosque complex in 2022. Recently, he filed a complaint with the police regarding “malicious calls” and “death threats from international numbers”. In a letter to the Bareilly superintendent of police, Justice Diwakar stated that he received a call from an international number on 15 April, which included a death threat. He received a similar call a few days later.

Justice Diwakar, who was recently transferred to Bareilly, had previously reported receiving threats along with his family. He has requested an investigation into the matter.

Upon his transfer to Bareilly, Justice Diwakar took suo motu action in the 2018 Bareilly riots case. He ordered Maulana Tauqeer Raza to stand trial as the alleged mastermind behind the riots.

During the riots, extensive property damage occurred, amounting to crores of rupees, and a curfew was imposed in Bareilly for 27 days.

The judge began receiving threats shortly after ordering a video survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque in April 2022. This mosque is situated next to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. He also ordered the sealing of the wuzu khana (ablution area) within the mosque complex.

On Tuesday, the judge informed the additional chief secretary (Home), director general of police (DGP) and the Varanasi Police Commissionerate that he had received a letter allegedly written by Kashif Ahmed Siddiqui on behalf of the Islamic Aagaz Movement through a registered post.

The contents of the letter have circulated widely on social media. In the letter addressed to the judge, it is stated, “You have claimed that the inspection of the Gyanvapi Masjid complex is routine. As a Hindu judge who worships idols, you will likely rule in favour of declaring the mosque a temple. A Muslim cannot expect a fair judgment from a Hindu judge who is considered a ‘kafir, murtipujak’.”

Varanasi Police Commissioner A Satish Ganesh confirmed receiving the judge’s letter and mentioned that the Deputy Commissioner of Police Varuna was currently investigating the matter. Additionally, nine security personnel have been assigned to ensure the judge’s safety.

Initially, the Allahabad High Court provided Y-category security for Justice Diwakar and his family due to the concerns raised by the judge. However, the security level was later downgraded to the X category.

Currently, the security detail of the judge consists of two personnel, but one of his colleagues expressed concerns about their adequacy as they are not armed.

Civil Judge Ravi Kumar Diwakar had expressed concerns about his safety last month too, citing the creation of a fearful environment and worries about his family’s well-being.