Who is Lawrence Bishnoi and Why is He Targeting Salman Khan?
Lawrence Bishnoi has emerged as one of the most feared criminal figures in northern India, his name being associated with high-profile murders and threats, particularly in the case of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The Bishnoi gang has been under intense scrutiny for its involvement in several heinous crimes, including the assassination of prominent Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and Maharashtra politician Baba Siddique. Their activities have caused widespread fear, with the group repeatedly making headlines for their violent operations and targeting of influential figures. One of the most notable ongoing threats from this gang has been directed at Salman Khan, a superstar who has allegedly been on Lawrence Bishnoi’s hit list for several years.
Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?
Lawrence Bishnoi is a notorious gangster operating primarily in northern India. Born in Rajasthan, Bishnoi hails from a community with a deep-rooted belief in protecting wildlife, particularly blackbucks, which are sacred to the Bishnoi community. His criminal journey began with minor offenses during his college days, but he quickly rose through the ranks of organized crime, creating a gang feared across multiple states, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi.
Bishnoi’s notoriety grew as he became involved in more serious criminal activities, including extortion, murder, and smuggling. Despite being incarcerated, his influence and operations have continued, with his gang members executing orders from prison. His gang is known for its violent methods, often resorting to extreme measures to maintain dominance in the criminal world.
Why is Lawrence Bishnoi After Salman Khan?
The root of Lawrence Bishnoi’s vendetta against Salman Khan can be traced back to the infamous 1998 blackbuck poaching case, in which Khan was accused of hunting the endangered animal during the filming of *Hum Saath Saath Hain* in Rajasthan. The Bishnoi community, which holds blackbucks as sacred, was deeply angered by the incident. Lawrence Bishnoi, who shares the strong sentiments of his community, allegedly took the matter personally and has vowed to take revenge on the actor for his actions.
In 2018, during a court hearing, Bishnoi openly threatened Salman Khan, stating that he would kill the actor. While initially dismissed as an empty threat, the growing power and violent activities of Bishnoi’s gang have made these threats much more credible over time.
In recent years, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has issued multiple warnings to Salman Khan, most notably in 2022 when a letter threatening Khan and his father, Salim Khan, was found near their Mumbai residence. The chilling message prompted heightened security for the actor and his family. The gang’s involvement in high-profile crimes, such as the murder of Sidhu Moosewala, has further fueled fears that these threats may escalate into direct action.
The Murder of Baba Siddique
In addition to threatening Salman Khan, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has been linked to the murder of Baba Siddique, a prominent Maharashtra politician. Siddique, who had close ties to the Bollywood industry and was often seen with stars like Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, was shot dead on October 12, 2024. His murder shocked both the political and entertainment worlds, as Siddique had played an influential role in both.
Siddique, a 66-year-old politician associated with the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), had a long and respected career in Maharashtra politics, having served as a state minister in the Congress-NCP government between 2004 and 2008. The investigation into his assassination quickly pointed towards the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, especially after a social media post, purportedly from a member of the gang, claimed responsibility for the killing.
The exact motive behind Siddique’s murder remains unclear, but his connections to Bollywood and his friendship with Salman Khan have raised suspicions about a possible link between the murder and the ongoing threats against the actor. The Mumbai police are actively investigating this angle, as the Bishnoi gang’s growing involvement in targeting high-profile figures has become a pressing concern for law enforcement.
The Bishnoi Gang’s Widespread Influence
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has become one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in northern India, with operations spanning across multiple states. Their involvement in extortion, smuggling, and targeted assassinations has made them a dominant force in the criminal underworld. Despite being behind bars, Bishnoi continues to exert control over his gang, ordering hits and overseeing illegal operations through loyal members.
The gang’s ability to carry out such high-profile crimes, even while its leader is imprisoned, highlights the severe challenges faced by Indian law enforcement in combating organized crime. The Bishnoi gang’s brazenness in targeting influential figures like Sidhu Moosewala, Baba Siddique, and Salman Khan reflects their growing confidence and reach, causing alarm among both public figures and the general public.
Conclusion
Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang have become a significant threat in northern India, with their violent operations making headlines across the country. Bishnoi’s deep-rooted vendetta against Salman Khan, stemming from the blackbuck poaching case, has placed the Bollywood superstar in a precarious position, leading to heightened security measures. The gang’s recent involvement in the murder of politician Baba Siddique has further cemented their reputation as a dangerous criminal organization with far-reaching influence. As authorities continue to investigate their activities, the Bishnoi gang remains a critical focus for law enforcement efforts to curb organized crime in India.