Bigg Boss 17 winner and stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui faced a serious security scare in Delhi on Sunday, as authorities responded to a potential threat to his life. Faruqui, who was staying at The Suryaa Hotel and attending an event at the IGI Indoor Stadium, became the focus of heightened security after police received a tip-off about the potential danger.
Faruqui was in Delhi for the Entertainers Cricket League 2024 event when reports surfaced that his life could be at risk. The Delhi Police swiftly took action to secure both the stadium and the hotel. The situation unfolded after a police investigation into a shooting in Greater Kailash-I, which resulted in the death of businessman Nadir Shah, led authorities to suspects who had been scouting The Suryaa Hotel.
During questioning, the suspects revealed that they had surveyed the hotel, possibly as part of a targeted killing plan. While the initial target was unclear, further investigation indicated that Munawar Faruqui might be the intended victim.
The police immediately responded by ramping up security measures at both The Suryaa Hotel, where Faruqui was staying, and the IGI Indoor Stadium, where a cricket match between the Haryanvi Hunters and Mumbai Disruptors was set to take place. Fellow artist and YouTuber Elvish Yadav, who was also participating in the cricket league, was staying at the same hotel.
At the IGI Indoor Stadium, police officers moved quickly to assess the situation and clear the area. Videos of the evacuation spread across social media as fans exited the stadium amid rising concerns.
Meanwhile, a separate team of police, led by DCP Pratiksha Godara, inspected The Suryaa Hotel, reviewing entry and exit points for security risks. Hotel staff confirmed that Faruqui was staying on the first floor, close to the area where the suspects had allegedly conducted their survey. Undercover officers were placed throughout the hotel to ensure his safety.
Despite initial hesitation, Munawar Faruqui eventually left Delhi under police advice, citing a flight he needed to catch, though he did not provide further details for security reasons. Speaking to The Times of India, he refrained from elaborating on the matter, emphasizing the importance of maintaining his safety.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to assess the nature of the threat and take necessary precautions to protect Munawar Faruqui.