Bollywood megastar Salman Khan faced yet another ominous death threat today, this time from an unidentified individual demanding a ransom of Rs 2 crore. The threat was delivered via a message to the Mumbai Traffic Police, asserting serious harm if the actor did not comply. Authorities acted swiftly, filing a case under various sections related to extortion and life-threatening offenses. However, this recent episode signifies more than just another threat; it exemplifies the ongoing risks Khan faces, particularly as threats appear to be gaining momentum.
This case isn’t an isolated incident for Khan, who has a documented history of threats and heightened security concerns, especially due to his infamous conflict with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. In response to Wednesday’s threat, Mumbai law enforcement officials are investigating potential leads while bolstering security around the actor. Authorities are exploring possible connections to Khan’s previous intimidations, as the mounting frequency of these threats may signal an organized, relentless pursuit to instill fear and assert financial control over one of Bollywood’s most notable figures.
The Ongoing Threat Landscape: Increased Security Amid Targeted Intimidation
This latest threat builds on a troubling sequence of attempts to extort, intimidate, and endanger Salman over the past several years.
For years, Khan has been a known target of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, whose members reportedly hold a vendetta against him due to his involvement in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. The case remains culturally significant to the Bishnoi community, leading to recurring threats against Khan, who represents, in the eyes of the gang, an unresolved grievance. This specific enmity has led to gunshots being fired outside his Bandra residence and other attempts to compromise his safety.
Multiple Arrests Linked to Threats on Salman Khan’s Life
This latest threat also comes on the heels of recent arrests connected to intimidation attempts against Khan. Police recently apprehended 20-year-old Gufran Khan from Noida for allegedly issuing death threats aimed not only at Khan but also at Zeeshan Siddiqui, son of the late politician Baba Siddique, who was tragically killed earlier this month. Gufran Khan, suspected of making these threats from Noida, was subsequently brought to Mumbai for further questioning. His arrest follows that of another individual, Shaikh Hussain Shaikh Mausin, a vegetable vendor from Jamshedpur, who allegedly sent a WhatsApp message demanding Rs 5 crore from Khan.
Authorities are actively piecing together these cases, examining whether the perpetrators have connections to larger criminal networks, or if these are copycat threats aiming to exploit Salman Khan’s high profile for personal gain. Both arrests are indicative of a potentially growing network or trend of individuals seeking notoriety or financial benefit by targeting high-profile figures. Khan’s public prominence and historical controversies likely fuel such attempts, as perpetrators see an opportunity to attract media attention and challenge law enforcement.
Lawrence Bishnoi Feud: An Unresolved Conflict with Serious Consequences
The Bishnoi gang’s long-standing enmity with Khan traces back to the blackbuck poaching case, which has left a bitter imprint on the community. The Bishnoi community, deeply protective of the blackbuck, holds Khan responsible for disrupting their ecological values, a sentiment that the gang has since adopted as a cause. Lawrence Bishnoi and his affiliates have repeatedly communicated threats to Khan, warning him of retribution for what they perceive as a violation of their values.
Over the years, these threats have escalated, from intimidating messages and letters in 2022, to gunshots reportedly linked to the gang, intensifying the sense of urgency surrounding Khan’s security. In March 2023, Khan received an email from Goldy Brar, a Bishnoi affiliate, amplifying fears and prompting security reinforcements around him. The persistence of this conflict suggests that Khan will continue to face risks as long as tensions with Bishnoi remain unresolved.
Implications and the Path Forward for Salman Khan’s Security
The uptick in threats against Khan underlines a stark reality for high-profile public figures, particularly those with controversial histories or entanglements with criminal networks. Khan’s situation reveals the complex dynamics of fame, unresolved past actions, and ongoing legal and social controversies that attract unwanted attention. Law enforcement faces a challenging task in mitigating these risks while balancing the necessity of keeping Khan’s personal life secure.
For Khan, these threats imply an ongoing vulnerability—one that may require not only heightened security but also a strategic approach to diffuse tension with adversaries like Bishnoi. The incidents serve as a reminder of the potential consequences of fame and past controversies, leaving Khan’s path forward marked by continuous vigilance and reliance on substantial security measures to safeguard against ongoing intimidation.