Salman Khan's Safety Threatened by Lawrence Bishnoi's Death Threats
Salman Khan’s Safety Threatened by Lawrence Bishnoi’s Death Threats
Salman Khan, a Bollywood superstar, has been facing serious death threats from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi for several years. The Bishnoi gang’s animosity towards Khan stems from the 1998 blackbuck poaching case in Rajasthan, where the actor was accused of hunting endangered blackbucks, a species sacred to the Bishnoi community. This long-standing feud has resurfaced in recent years, with the Bishnoi gang intensifying their threats, raising concerns for Khan’s safety.
The Blackbuck Poaching Case and Bishnoi’s Motive
The origins of Bishnoi’s threats can be traced back to the blackbuck poaching incident during the filming of “Hum Saath Saath Hain.” The blackbuck is considered a sacred animal by the Bishnoi community, who view it as a reincarnation of their spiritual leader. The case resulted in widespread outrage within the community, and despite years of legal battles, the wounds remained unhealed. Bishnoi, hailing from the Bishnoi community himself, took a personal vendetta against Khan for allegedly tarnishing the sanctity of their revered animal. In 2018, while facing trial, Bishnoi openly declared his intention to kill Khan, marking the beginning of the direct threats.
The Escalation of Threats
The situation escalated significantly in 2022 when a threatening letter addressed to Khan’s father, Salim Khan, surfaced, warning of an imminent danger to the actor’s life. This prompted the government to provide Salman Khan with Y-plus category security and grant him a firearms license for self-defense. Subsequently, in 2023, Bishnoi’s associate Goldie Brar issued a similar threat through an email to Khan’s personal assistant. The Bishnoi gang has been consistent in conveying their threats through various channels, adding to the security concerns surrounding the actor.
Recent Incident: Firing Outside Khan’s Residence
In April 2024, a shooting incident occurred outside Salman Khan’s Bandra residence, allegedly orchestrated by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The two men involved, Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal, admitted during police questioning that they intended to intimidate Khan rather than cause physical harm. Investigations revealed that the gang had conducted multiple reconnaissance missions around Khan’s residence prior to the incident. Although there were no casualties, the firing served as a stark reminder of the seriousness of the threats against him.
Ongoing Security Measures
Following these incidents, Khan’s security arrangements were reviewed, and his Y-plus category protection was extended. This level of security ensures that he is constantly accompanied by a team of highly trained personnel equipped to handle potential threats. However, questions remain about whether these measures are sufficient, especially as Bishnoi continues to operate his criminal network from behind bars.
Lawrence Bishnoi’s Criminal Network
Despite being incarcerated in Sabarmati Central Jail, Lawrence Bishnoi has maintained a powerful influence over his gang. His criminal operations extend across northern India, involving cross-border drug smuggling and connections with international criminal elements. His gang is currently managed by his brother Anmol Bishnoi, Goldie Brar, and other key associates, who continue to issue threats and execute criminal activities on his behalf. This persistent threat from a well-organized criminal network poses a significant challenge for law enforcement agencies tasked with ensuring Khan’s safety.
Government’s Role in Protecting Salman Khan
Given the ongoing nature of the threats, there is a growing call for more robust measures to protect Salman Khan. The government has been urged to go beyond current security arrangements by addressing the root cause of the threats—neutralizing the Bishnoi gang’s influence. This could involve cracking down on Bishnoi’s network, both domestically and abroad, while enhancing security protocols for the actor. There is also the option of relocating Khan to a more secure environment, at least temporarily, to reduce his exposure to potential attacks.
What Could Happen If the Government Fails to Act?
The consequences of inaction could be severe. Bishnoi’s determination to avenge the blackbuck incident has not waned over the years, and his gang’s reach and capabilities pose a real danger. Failing to neutralize the gang’s operations could lead to further attempts on Khan’s life, potentially escalating to more aggressive and well-planned attacks. This situation also reflects a broader issue of how celebrities are targeted by organized crime in India, making it a matter of public and national interest.
Salman Khan’s life remains under threat from Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang, a reality that has persisted due to a nearly three-decade-old poaching case. While the actor continues to live under high-security measures, the ongoing threats signify the need for a stronger government response to dismantle Bishnoi’s criminal network. This case underscores the delicate balance between celebrity life and safety in the face of organized crime, highlighting the urgency for effective security strategies to protect high-profile individuals like Salman Khan.
