They're threatening my family

Three days after his nephew was arrested in a molestation case, film star-turned-politician Govinda on Wednesday said he and his family have received numerous threats in the last one-and-a-half years.

"In the last one-and-a-half years, my family has been targeted 11 times... The children in our family are being targeted," he told a news channel over phone from Bangkok.

"Sometimes we are dragged to the police station for bursting crackers. On other occasions, we are put in the lock-up over driving without licence," he added.

Govinda said he and his family have received a variety of threats, including that of a bomb blast. "Someone says my entire family will be killed," he said.

He said the people who were targeting him were associated with politics and the threats were timed to have an impact on the party's fortunes in the forthcoming municipal polls.

"I am asked why I am not to be seen in politics. How can Govinda be active in politics when he is being targeted time and again. Moreover, how can someone who can't protect his family protect the interests of the people," he said.

Janvendra, nephew of Govinda, was arrested on Saturday last by Juhu police along with his three friends for allegedly trying to molest the wife of the personal assistant of a Maharashtra minister. He is now in judicial custody till October 11.

Asked if he was planning to quit politics, he said, "If ever I take a decision, it will be based on justice and truth."