Kolkata: A jhalmuri seller from West Bengal, who became widely known after Prime Minister Narendra Modi stopped at his stall during an election campaign, has now reportedly approached police over a series of threatening calls allegedly originating from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The vendor, Bikram Sau, claims that unknown callers have been repeatedly contacting him through phone and video calls over the past few days, with some allegedly issuing death threats. The matter has triggered concern among local authorities, who have initiated an investigation into the origin and intent behind the calls.

Vendor Says Family Living in Fear

According to local reports, Sau told police that the threatening communications began after his roadside stall received massive attention following Modi’s visit during the West Bengal Assembly election campaign.

The Prime Minister had briefly halted near Sau’s stall in Jhargram while returning from a rally and was seen purchasing jhalmuri — one of Bengal’s most popular street snacks. The visuals quickly spread across television and social media platforms, turning the otherwise little-known vendor into a public figure overnight.

Street Vendor in Jhargram, who served Jhalmuri to PM Modi during his election campaign, gets threatening calls from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Security arrangements are ordered for his protection.

PoV: Interesting to see how a small acts of PM Modi like giving toffee or eating… https://t.co/anuuMVHqfY pic.twitter.com/VXQxwNQHfn

— India Strikes YT 🇮🇳 (@IndiaStrikes_) May 22, 2026

Sau has now alleged that the attention also brought unwanted trouble. He reportedly informed authorities that several international numbers contacted him and used threatening language, leaving his family frightened and mentally disturbed.

Residents in the area have also expressed concern over the situation, saying the vendor had never faced such issues before the incident drew nationwide political attention.

Police Examining International Numbers

Police officials have confirmed that a probe is underway. Investigators are reportedly checking call records and verifying whether the numbers were genuinely routed from Pakistan and Bangladesh or masked through internet-based services.

Authorities are also exploring whether the threats were politically motivated, intended to intimidate the vendor, or simply part of an online harassment campaign that escalated after the viral political episode.

No official confirmation has yet been made regarding the identity of the callers.

Political Controversy Revived

The incident has once again brought attention to the political controversy surrounding Modi’s stop at the stall during the Bengal election campaign.

At the time, the episode became a talking point in the fierce political contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party and the ruling All India Trinamool Congress.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had criticised the interaction, reportedly calling it a staged political event. BJP leaders, however, projected the moment as an example of Modi’s outreach to ordinary citizens and local culture.

The Prime Minister later referenced the jhalmuri episode in campaign speeches, using it to sharpen his criticism of the TMC government.

Jhalmuri Stall Became Symbolic

What started as a brief roadside stop eventually evolved into a symbolic political moment during the Bengal elections. The humble snack stall gained unusual national visibility, with supporters and critics alike debating the significance of the encounter.

Now, years after the viral moment, the vendor at the centre of that political imagery says he is struggling with security concerns and fear generated by the alleged threats.

Police officials say the investigation is continuing and appropriate action will be taken once the source of the calls is identified.