Ranchi, Dec 31 Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni received an extortion letter demanding five million rupees.

According to police, a letter addressed to Dhoni's residence in Ranchi was received by his family members. The letter stated that the family members would be harmed if the amount was not paid.

Police said that investigations till now have revealed that some local criminal, who is not in the city at the moment, is involved.

"Family members of Dhoni have received a letter through normal post in which ransom amount of five million rupees has been demanded. Police is investigating the case. A team has been assigned under the leadership of DSP Hatiya is investigating the case," said Sampat Meena, Senior Superintendent of Police.

"As per the investigations, we have found out that he is a local criminal who has been absconding for some time and is not in Ranchi at present. And the names that have come up from the letters are the ones who were in jail under Arms act. It seems to be mischief of a local criminal gang. Rest of the details will be out only when the investigations are complete," Meena added.

Reportedly the letter was received by Dhoni's father Paan Singh. The letter was reportedly written by a person named Taslim who claimed himself to be an associate of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

Police said that Taslim is a local criminal at large.

Police said that security cover for the cricketer and his family members has been beefed up following extortion calls.

Sudhir Mahto, the Deputy Chief Minister of Jharkhand today said that 'Z class security' was provided to Dhoni after there were reports in some sections of media about the security concerns to the cricketer and his family.

Security around Dhoni and his residence has been increased after his family expressed concerns about the levels of protection provided by the Jharkhand Government. (ANI)