Friday, March 25 2005 17:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: Two persons, including a dialogue writer, were today (Mar 25, 2005) arrested for allegedly threatening popular television star Smriti Irani, while the actress claimed police had assured to continue providing protection to her.

A dialogue writer for TV serials and another person were arrested for threatening Irani for "professional reasons", Deputy Commissioner of Police Amitav Gupta told reporters.

Irani, who shot into fame with the popular television serial "Kyonki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi", had last week filed an FIR with Oshiwara police in north Mumbai after repeatedly receiving death threats on phone.

Later Irani told reporters that protection given to her would be continued by police despite the arrests.

Refusing to divulge the nature of the calls and the motive behind it, she said, "I cannot reveal much. But what concerns me much is that the callers had not only threatened me but my two innocent children as well."

"However, I continued to attend my shootings, despite the calls because I wanted to send across a message to the accused that they could not deter me from working," she said.

"I am relieved that the accused have been nabbed," she said refusing to divulge details about the callers.

Appreciating the efforts of Mumbai police, Irani said, "though people were cynical because I had reposed faith in the police, I am glad I did and I must laud the good work they have done in such a short time."