The Threat Message
The threat message explicitly stated, "Don't take this lightly. If Salman Khan wants to stay alive and end the enmity with Lawrence Bishnoi, he must pay Rs 5 crore. If the money is not given, his condition will be worse than Baba Siddique's." This chilling ultimatum has prompted heightened concern for the actor's safety.
Increased Security Measures
In response to the threat, the Mumbai Police has ramped up security around Khan's residence in Bandra. The actor has remained vigilant following earlier threats, and this recent development has escalated fears for his well-being.
Arrest of Key Gang Member
In a significant breakthrough, the Navi Mumbai Police apprehended a key member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, identified as Sukha alias Sukhbir Balbir Singh, in Panipat, Haryana. Singh is linked to an alleged plot to assassinate Salman Khan and reportedly contracted other gang members to carry out the attack.
Police sources indicate that Singh was in direct contact with his handler, Dogar, a figure based in Pakistan, to coordinate the planned assassination. The gang reportedly intended to employ high-powered firearms, including AK-47s and M16s, smuggled from Pakistan for the execution of their plot.
Ongoing Investigation and Previous Incidents
Singh's arrest is the latest development in an ongoing investigation into the Bishnoi gang's conspiracy against Salman Khan. Earlier this year, Navi Mumbai police registered an FIR against 18 individuals from the gang for plotting to kill the actor. This followed a disturbing incident in which gang members fired shots outside Khan's Bandra home.
Among those named in the FIR are high-profile members of the Bishnoi gang, including Lawrence Bishnoi, his brother Anmol, Sampat Nehra, Goldie Brar, and Rohit Godhara. These individuals have established a notorious reputation for organized crime and violent threats throughout North India.
Disturbing Tactics of the Gang
The ongoing police investigation has unveiled disturbing details about the Bishnoi gang's operational tactics. Sources report that the gang deployed between 60 to 70 operatives to monitor Khan's movements. These operatives conducted reconnaissance at various locations, including Khan's Bandra residence, his Panvel farmhouse, and his shooting sites. Alarmingly, the gang even attempted to recruit minors as sharpshooters.
History of Threats Against Salman Khan
This is not the first time Salman Khan has been targeted by the Bishnoi gang. In 2022, a threatening letter was found on a bench near his residence, and in March 2023, Khan received an email allegedly sent by gang members. Additionally, in January 2024, two unidentified individuals tried to trespass into his Panvel farmhouse using fake identities, prompting Khan to bolster security around his property.
The Feud with Lawrence Bishnoi
Khan's ongoing feud with Lawrence Bishnoi traces back several years. The gangster, currently incarcerated, is believed to harbor a deep-seated grudge against the actor over his alleged involvement in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. The Bishnoi community, which reveres the blackbuck, views this incident as a significant affront, fueling the gang's desire for revenge against Khan.
As the investigation unfolds and authorities work diligently to secure Salman Khan's safety, the film industry and his fans remain on high alert regarding the potential ramifications of this ongoing threat.