Mumbai: For Bollywood idol Salman Khan the Lawrence Bishnoi gang sent a fresh death threat to the Mumbai Police on Monday night. The threat message of the gang has it that either Khan had to publicly apologize at a temple for having killed a blackbuck or pay ₹ 5 crore for his safety.
A Disturbing Pattern of Threats
This is the second time within a week that such threats of death have been directed at the UK’s Mayor Sadiq Khan. The message, which was sent on WhatsApp to Mumbai Police Traffic Control Room read ‘This message is for Salman Khan if you want to live then visit this temple and apologize or pay ₹ 5 crore’. If he does not do what we want, we will kill him; our gang is still alive.” The police are also conducting a search to try and find out where this threat came from and who is being involved.
Background: The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang
This is the second time within a week that such threats of death have been directed at the UK’s Mayor Sadiq Khan. The message, which was sent on WhatsApp to Mumbai Police Traffic Control Room read ‘This message is for Salman Khan if you want to live then visit this temple and apologize or pay ₹ 5 crore’. If he does not do what we want, we will kill him; our gang is still alive.” The police are also conducting a search to try and find out where this threat came from and who is being involved.
Previous Threats and Legal Consequences
The threat call on the said date claimed to have kidnapped Khan and demanded an amount of ₹ 2 crore from him, they added The police received the report on October 30 and arrested, Azam Mohammad Mustafa, a resident of Bandra East shortly after the receipt of the said complaint. Such threats are not new; before, several persons linked to the Bishnoi gang have threatened Khan in the past. In April, some of the gangsters were alleged to have fired gunshots around Khan’s house and since then, there has been tightened security around the actor.
Connection to Recent Events: Baba Siddique's Murder
This has been consequential with the recent emergent threats due to murder of Baba Siddique, a politician and dear friend of Salman Khan. Siddique was shot dead in a clear assassination in October and it is suspected that it has something to do with the internal battles going on in Mumbai’s crime syndicate. The threats have come after Siddique’s assassination and have been received with concern on whether this might imply danger for Khan himself and the consequences this has on the film industry.
Salman Khan’s Security Heightened
In light of these alarming threats, Salman Khan’s security detail has been significantly increased. The actor, who is currently filming his upcoming project Sikandar in Hyderabad, is reportedly under constant police protection. Authorities are taking every precaution to ensure his safety, reflecting the serious nature of the threats made against him.
Public Reaction and Industry Support
The threats against Khan have sparked widespread concern among fans and members of the film industry. Social media has been flooded with messages of support for the actor, with many calling for increased security measures for celebrities who face similar risks. Khan’s popularity and visibility make him a high-profile target, highlighting the need for robust protective measures in the entertainment industry.
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The Broader Implications for Celebrity Safety
This situation underscores a troubling trend in India, where threats against public figures, particularly in the film industry, have become increasingly common. The intersection of celebrity culture and the criminal underworld raises critical questions about personal safety, mental health, and the responsibilities of law enforcement to protect those in the public eye.
Based on such threats, the Mumbai Police are currently investigating cases relating to such hate crimes. Concerning the investigation of the case and precaution taken to safeguard Salman Khan, both the media and his fans will be eagerly waiting for new development on the case. The severity of these threats does not only impact Khan but also points to the existing problems that many celebrities continue to experience while trying to protect themselves in the context of stardom and crime.
