SRINAGAR: Five minor girls allegedly sexually exploited by self-styled sufi dervish Gulzar Ahmad Bhat at his shady 'seminary' in Budgam district of Kashmir have reportedly received threatening calls from his followers on their cell phones.

SP Budgam Uttam Chand, who is investigating the case, told ToI that police is unaware of the phone numbers and will take action the moment details of any threatening calls are brought to its notice.

Five teenage girls from various district of the valley earlier this month deposed before the local court under section 164 CrPC that they were sexually exploited by Gulzar Ahmad Bhat in his teaching centre. The police arrested Bhat on May 21 and remanded him to 15 days in police custody.

A special investigation team has already been constituted by Jammu and Kashmir Police to probe into the alleged sexual abuse of minor girls by Gulzar Ahmad Bhat of Budgam.

Prominent Kashmiri separatist leader and chairman of the hardline faction of Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani on Wednesday said that some influential people, hidden hands and agencies are providing shelter and support to the tainted peer and added that not only the swindler but the parents of those girls are equally responsible, who without any sense and assessment admitted their wards in his so called religious institution.