Salman Khan Faces Fresh Threats Over Song Allegedly Linked to Lawrence Bishnoi Gang
- Bollywood actor Salman Khan received a fresh threat allegedly connected to the jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang.
- Threatening messages were sent to Mumbai's traffic control room demanding a ₹5 crore ransom and warning about a song referencing Khan and Bishnoi.
- Police have initiated investigations, suspecting possible exploitation of Bishnoi's gang’s name by individuals seeking media attention.
- The case has been registered by the Worli police, with efforts ongoing to trace the source of the threat.
Mumbai, India – Bollywood actor Salman Khan is once again under the threat of violence, this time involving a song allegedly tied to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. According to Mumbai police officials, the threat was received on Thursday night via a message to the city's traffic control room. The sender demanded ₹5 crore from Khan and issued a chilling warning targeting the songwriter, who allegedly penned lyrics referencing both Khan and Bishnoi.
This latest incident adds to an escalating chain of threats reportedly from the Bishnoi gang, who, in recent months, have placed Khan in their crosshairs over a long-standing grievance dating back to the actor’s 1998 blackbuck poaching case, an incident deeply offensive to the Bishnoi community.
Escalating Security Concerns Over Salman Khan
The midnight threat call alleged that the songwriter's condition would be irreparably damaged if action wasn't taken. "The songwriter will face consequences severe enough that they’ll be unable to write songs again," the message reportedly stated, also taunting Khan to “save him if he can.” The Mumbai police were quick to take action, registering a case through the Worli police station and intensifying security around Khan and his family.
In a statement, a senior Mumbai police officer revealed that they are working on tracking the phone number used in the message. Initial reports suggest that the phone's registered name was "Vishnumurthy Aliya Friend" when checked through a caller ID service. Police suspect that the threat might be less about organized crime and more an attempt by individuals exploiting the Bishnoi name for personal reasons or media attention.
A History of Threats from the Bishnoi Gang
Khan’s life has been repeatedly overshadowed by threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The notorious group has targeted the Bollywood superstar with explicit warnings since his involvement in the blackbuck poaching case, a highly contentious issue among the Bishnoi community. The blackbuck, a revered animal in Bishnoi culture, became a symbol of Khan’s alleged disregard for Bishnoi values, setting off a series of hostile messages from Bishnoi’s associates.
In April, suspected Bishnoi gang members reportedly fired shots outside Khan’s residence in Bandra, Mumbai. Shortly after, Anmol Bishnoi, Lawrence’s brother, allegedly took responsibility for the attack. Authorities later apprehended over a dozen members associated with the gang, applying stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) charges in hopes of curbing the gang’s activities. However, threats have persisted, with recent arrests pointing to a network willing to risk their freedom to carry out their leader’s wishes.
Rising Tensions Amid Threats to Other Bollywood Stars
The latest threat against Khan follows a similar incident involving another Bollywood icon, Shah Rukh Khan. On Tuesday, Mumbai's Bandra police station received a threat call demanding a ₹50 lakh ransom from Shah Rukh Khan. The call, traced back to a phone registered under Raipur-based lawyer Faizan Khan, claimed his phone was stolen, which raised concerns of potential conspiracies against Bollywood figures.
Faizan Khan, a lawyer from Raipur with ties to Rajasthan’s Bishnoi community, has previously raised objections about sensitive issues linked to his heritage, including a 1994 film reference to deer hunting. After being summoned for questioning, Faizan informed police that his phone was stolen recently, raising questions about whether someone may have exploited the incident to fuel controversy against Shah Rukh Khan.
Mumbai Police's Response and Investigation
In response to these threats, Mumbai police have tightened security measures, initiating a robust investigation to determine the authenticity of the messages. Sources suggest that while the sender claimed a connection to the Bishnoi gang, officers speculate the individual may be fabricating connections to the gang, potentially to garner media attention.
In Karnataka, police recently arrested 32-year-old Bhikha Ram, known as Vikram, under suspicion of posing as an affiliate of Bishnoi. Hailing from Rajasthan, Ram reportedly admired Bishnoi, describing him as an “idol,” and allegedly issued threats while attempting to extort Khan. Investigations revealed that he planned to use any extortion money to fund a temple for the Bishnoi community. Ram has since been handed over to Maharashtra’s Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) for further questioning, adding another layer to the complicated web of threats against Khan.
Gang Culture and the Bollywood Underbelly
The Bishnoi gang’s fixation on Bollywood stars shines a light on India’s complex relationship between entertainment icons and criminal syndicates. Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious figure with operations across several states, wields a fearsome influence despite being imprisoned. His group, marked by violent retributions and extortion practices, has targeted high-profile figures, often invoking grievances tied to the cultural values of the Bishnoi community.
While the gang’s actions have placed Khan and others in the entertainment industry on high alert, officials stress that they are leaving no stone unturned in tracking down those responsible for the threats. Police departments across multiple states, including Maharashtra and Karnataka, have ramped up their efforts to curtail gang-related threats and bolster security for public figures.
Public Reactions and Security Implications
With both Khan and Shah Rukh Khan now facing heightened threats, fans and the broader public are calling for increased measures to ensure the safety of celebrities under such duress. Social media discussions have surged with calls for the actors to receive additional protection, especially given the recent rise in threat levels.
Meanwhile, experts in security and organized crime highlight the importance of addressing these cases with caution. Given the severity of recent threats, measures such as Y+ level security have been implemented for Shah Rukh Khan, while Salman Khan’s security remains on high alert as authorities continue their investigations.
Conclusion
As Salman Khan and his family face renewed threats from individuals claiming allegiance to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, law enforcement agencies are stepping up their efforts to prevent any escalation. With previous incidents still fresh in public memory, this latest threat underscores the complex interplay between Bollywood, organized crime, and the judicial system in India. The public, police, and film industry stakeholders will be closely watching as investigations unfold and further arrests potentially disrupt the cycles of intimidation targeting Bollywood’s biggest stars.