According to reports, Mohammad Faizan Khan made a threatening phone call to the Bollywood icon, demanding a hefty sum of ₹50 lakh. The accused was tracked down and detained after he did not comply with police summons for questioning. Despite his initial claim that his phone was stolen - allegedly used to make the call last week ' he filed a police report on November 2. However, investigations revealed discrepancies in his statement, leading to his arrest.
Authorities have registered a case against Khan under sections 308(4) (extortion involving threats of death or serious injury) and 351(3)(4) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The threat call originated from a phone number registered in Khan's name, making him a prime suspect. The incident highlights the escalating issue of threats against public figures in India, necessitating immediate legal intervention.
The death threat incident occurred shortly after Shah Rukh Khan's back-to-back box office hits - 'Pathaan' and 'Jawan' - which garnered immense success. Due to the severity of the threat, the Mumbai Police enhanced the actor's security to a Y+ security cover, ensuring he is protected round-the-clock by six armed personnel. This is a significant upgrade from his previous security detail, which consisted of two armed guards.
Shah Rukh Khan is not the only Bollywood star facing security concerns. Actor Salman Khan has also been targeted with death threats in recent weeks. A 32-year-old man from Rajasthan was arrested in Karnataka for issuing threats to the "Dabangg" star. This followed a public threat from jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who demanded that Salman apologize at a temple over the blackbuck poaching case, or pay a ransom of ₹5 crore.
On November 8, another alarming threat against Salman Khan was reported when the Mumbai Traffic Control room received a message threatening the star's life. Members allegedly linked to Lawrence Bishnoi's gang warned that a songwriter, who had written a track about Bishnoi, would face severe consequences within a month. The message ominously stated that the songwriter 'would not be able to write songs under his own name,' and challenged Salman Khan to intervene if he dared.
In light of the recent threats, both Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan have received enhanced security measures from law enforcement agencies. The incidents underscore the growing dangers faced by Bollywood stars, who are increasingly becoming targets of extortion and intimidation from criminal elements.
The recent threats against Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan point to a disturbing trend of escalating intimidation tactics used against high-profile celebrities in India. The swift arrest of Mohammad Faizan Khan and the ongoing investigations into threats against Salman Khan highlight the urgent need for stricter laws and robust security measures. Fans and the film fraternity alike are hoping for a swift resolution to these cases, as authorities continue their efforts to ensure the safety of these beloved Bollywood icons.