Lyricist and Rajya Sabha MP Javed Akhtar has been provided round-the-clock security following death threats received by him for allegedly calling an Islamic cleric “insane” during a television debate on a fatwa against working women.
“We have provided security to Javed Akhtar by posting armed guards at his house. The guards would follow him wherever he goes,” a police official said.
Akhtar has been receiving threat mails after he commented on the fatwa issued by Islamic seminary Darul-Uloom-Deoband.
An email received by him on May 12 read “your countdown has begun”. He lodged a complaint with the police on Friday and was given protection on Saturday.
“I won’t be restricted in movement or speech. I have always stood up for what I think is right,” said Akhtar.