Bollywood megastar Salman Khan has once again found himself at the center of a chilling death threat, allegedly issued by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The gang has demanded a sum of ₹5 crore to “end the enmity,” warning that if the money is not paid, Khan’s fate would be worse than that of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, who was recently murdered, allegedly by the Bishnoi gang. The threat was sent via WhatsApp to the Mumbai Traffic Police, and the message specifically stated, “Don’t take this lightly. If Salman Khan wants to stay alive and end the enmity with Lawrence Bishnoi, he must pay ₹5 crore.”
This death threat marks a new chapter in the actor’s ongoing conflict with the Bishnoi gang, an issue that has plagued him for years. Salman Khan has been living under heightened security ever since his involvement in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, particularly its leader, has long sought retribution against the actor, who was accused of hunting two blackbucks during the filming of Hum Saath Saath Hain in Rajasthan. For the Bishnoi community, the blackbuck is a sacred animal, and Khan’s alleged actions have sparked deep resentment within the community, which continues to view his actions as an affront to their values.
Historical Context: The Blackbuck Poaching Case
The blackbuck poaching case has been at the root of Salman Khan’s turbulent relationship with the Bishnoi community. The case dates back to 1998, when Khan, along with his co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Neelam, and Sonali Bendre, was accused of hunting two endangered blackbucks during the filming of the movie. Khan was later convicted in 2018 and sentenced to five years in prison, although he was granted bail shortly after. This case not only made headlines due to the star power involved but also because of the cultural significance of the blackbuck to the Bishnoi community, which holds the animal in high regard as a symbol of ecological balance.
The Bishnoi community’s cultural ties to the blackbuck have fueled their animosity toward Salman Khan. The community views the protection of wildlife as a sacred duty, and the killing of a blackbuck is seen as an unforgivable offense. Lawrence Bishnoi, the leader of the gang that has repeatedly threatened Khan, has made it clear that his grievances stem from the poaching incident. Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in Sabarmati Central Jail, has managed to continue issuing threats against Khan, leveraging his gang’s resources from behind bars.
Repeated Threats and Escalation of Security
This latest threat is far from the first time that Salman Khan has found himself in the crosshairs of the Bishnoi gang. In fact, threats against the actor have been escalating over the past few years. In 2022, it was reported that gangster Sampat Nehra, a close associate of Bishnoi, had conducted reconnaissance around Khan’s Bandra residence in Mumbai, allegedly preparing for an assassination attempt. The plan was ultimately foiled due to logistical challenges, including a lack of proper weaponry. However, the incident underscored the seriousness of the threats posed by the Bishnoi gang.
Earlier in 2024, Khan’s residence was the site of a shooting incident when two unidentified men on motorcycles opened fire outside his house in Mumbai. The incident, which occurred in April, raised alarm bells, leading to heightened security around the actor’s home. Despite these attacks, the gang’s demands have been consistent: a public apology from Khan to the Bishnoi community and, according to recent developments, a hefty ransom to “settle” the enmity between the two parties.
Baba Siddique’s Murder and its Connection to the Threat
The latest threat also references the recent murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, who had been associated with Khan in the past. According to the threatening message, Khan’s fate would be “worse than Siddique’s” if the ₹5 crore demand was not met. Siddique’s murder, which took place earlier in 2024, has been linked to the Bishnoi gang, and the connection between Siddique’s death and Khan’s latest death threat has raised serious concerns within the Mumbai Police. Siddique’s murder was carried out in a high-profile fashion, allegedly orchestrated by the Bishnoi gang, and the threat that Khan could face a similar—or worse—fate has intensified the police’s focus on the case.
Mumbai Police Response and Investigation
Following the threat, the Mumbai Police have significantly ramped up security around Salman Khan’s Bandra residence, Galaxy Apartments. The police are also working to trace the origins of the WhatsApp message sent to the Mumbai Traffic Police, although such investigations are often challenging due to the anonymity offered by encrypted messaging platforms. Given the gang’s past record of orchestrating high-profile crimes, the authorities are taking this threat extremely seriously. The Mumbai Police have been coordinating with multiple agencies to ensure Khan’s safety and are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to neutralize the threat posed by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
In addition to increasing security at Khan’s residence, the police are also conducting intelligence-based operations to dismantle the Bishnoi gang’s network. Several associates of Lawrence Bishnoi have already been arrested in recent years in connection with various crimes, including the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022 and other extortion-related activities. However, despite these arrests, the gang continues to wield significant power, particularly in northern India, and their ability to issue threats from prison has become a growing concern for law enforcement agencies.
The Public and Bollywood’s Reaction
The news of this latest death threat has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, with fans and colleagues of Salman Khan expressing their concerns about his safety. Khan, who is one of the most recognizable faces in Indian cinema, has maintained a relatively low profile in recent months, likely due in part to the ongoing threats. Despite the danger, the actor has continued to fulfill his professional commitments, although his public appearances are often accompanied by heavy security.
Bollywood insiders have speculated that the constant threats against Khan may have long-term implications for the actor’s career. Some industry experts believe that the heightened security measures could limit Khan’s ability to participate in large-scale productions, particularly those requiring extensive outdoor shoots. Additionally, the psychological toll of living under constant threat may affect the actor’s future decisions regarding his film career and public life.
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Conclusion: A Complex and Ongoing Feud
The latest death threat against Salman Khan underscores the complex nature of his long-standing conflict with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. What began as a legal issue stemming from the blackbuck poaching case has evolved into a dangerous feud that shows no signs of abating. With the gang’s demands escalating from a public apology to a ransom of ₹5 crore, the situation has become increasingly perilous for the actor.
The involvement of high-profile figures like Khan and Siddique in this saga has attracted widespread media attention, but the underlying issue remains deeply rooted in cultural and religious tensions. As the Mumbai Police continue their investigation, the focus remains on ensuring Khan’s safety and bringing those responsible for the threats to justice. However, with the Bishnoi gang’s extensive criminal network and their ability to operate from behind bars, the road ahead is fraught with challenges.
In the meantime, Salman Khan’s fans, colleagues, and the general public can only hope that the authorities are successful in neutralizing this threat before it escalates further. Until then, Khan remains under the constant protection of law enforcement, a stark reminder of the risks that even the most celebrated figures in Bollywood can face
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