The Union government is looking into exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen's plea for Indian citizenship, Home Minister Shivraj Patil said on Saturday.

"We have received the application and are looking into it," he said.

Nasreen, who is facing death threat from radical Islamic groups in Bangladesh, has sought Indian citizenship saying her country of origin has 'slammed the doors' on her. Fundamentalist outfits in Bangladesh issued death threat against her in 1994 for her 'blasphemous' writings.

Nasreen had faxed a letter to Patil on Thursday requesting Indian citizenship or residential permit.