Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has reportedly received a chilling death threat linked to notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. In the latest twist to the long-running saga involving the actor and the criminal underworld, a threatening message demanded that Salman pay ₹5 crore to “end enmity” with Bishnoi or face dire consequences. The message has sparked an immediate response from Mumbai Police, who have launched a probe to ensure the actor’s safety and track down those responsible for the threat.
The Threatening Message
According to police reports, the death threat was conveyed through an email sent to Salman Khan’s office in Mumbai. The message, written in Hindi, demanded that Salman pay ₹5 crore to settle his “dispute” with Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang. It warned the actor that if he failed to comply with the demand, the enmity between him and the gangster would continue, potentially leading to fatal consequences.
The threat specifically mentioned that the actor should “make the payment if he values his life” and stated that the ongoing feud could only be resolved through financial compensation. Mumbai Police officials have not disclosed whether the email contained any other details about the terms or timeframe for payment.
Connection to Lawrence Bishnoi
Lawrence Bishnoi, a well-known gangster operating across northern India, has long harbored animosity towards Salman Khan. This enmity stems from an incident in 1998 when Salman Khan was involved in the poaching of blackbucks, a protected species revered by the Bishnoi community. Bishnoi, who considers the blackbuck sacred, has vowed revenge against the actor, further cementing the feud after Salman was convicted in the blackbuck poaching case in 2018, though he was later granted bail.
Bishnoi, currently imprisoned, is believed to control a vast criminal network that continues to operate under his command from behind bars. His gang is known to be involved in extortion, smuggling, and organized crime across several states in India. In recent years, the gangster’s threat to Salman Khan has taken on a more serious tone, with multiple incidents linking his associates to attempts on the actor’s life.
In June 2022, Salman’s security team discovered a threatening letter near his residence in Mumbai, purportedly from the Bishnoi gang. This incident led to heightened security around the actor, and Mumbai Police have since maintained vigilance to protect him.
Mumbai Police Launches Probe
Upon receiving news of the latest threat, Mumbai Police swiftly opened an investigation. A special team from the Crime Branch has been assigned to the case, and the Cyber Cell is currently tracing the origins of the threatening email. Police officials are working to determine whether the message was directly sent by Bishnoi’s associates or if other groups could be involved in leveraging his name for extortion.
As part of the investigation, authorities are also re-examining existing intelligence on Lawrence Bishnoi’s criminal network, as well as ongoing cases against his associates. Sources within the police department have indicated that additional measures may be taken to boost Salman Khan’s security, including increased surveillance around his residence and tighter control of access to the actor during public appearances and film sets.
The police have urged Salman Khan and his family to avoid disclosing details about their movements or engagements, and they are closely coordinating with private security personnel already assigned to the actor.
Salman’s Response
Though Salman Khan has not made a public statement regarding the latest death threat, sources close to the actor indicate that he is cooperating with law enforcement and has heightened security measures in place. Over the years, Salman has faced numerous challenges related to his legal troubles, public controversies, and ongoing threats from criminal groups. Despite these challenges, the actor has continued to maintain his position as one of the biggest stars in Bollywood, regularly appearing in major films and television shows.
His fans, who have stood by him throughout various trials, have expressed concern and support on social media, calling for increased protection and urging the authorities to swiftly bring those behind the threat to justice.
Bollywood and Underworld Connections
The recent threat against Salman Khan once again highlights the complex intersection between Bollywood and the criminal underworld in India. Over the decades, several Bollywood celebrities have been targets of extortion attempts, death threats, and violent attacks from organized crime syndicates. The underworld’s interest in Bollywood largely stems from the industry’s financial resources and its high-profile figures, making actors vulnerable to extortion schemes.
Salman Khan’s long-standing rivalry with the Bishnoi gang stands out due to its connection to cultural and religious beliefs, but it also reflects the broader dangers that come with being a celebrity in India.
As the Mumbai Police intensify their investigation, the latest death threat against Salman Khan underscores the enduring menace posed by organized crime in India. With Lawrence Bishnoi still in prison but seemingly capable of orchestrating operations from behind bars, the situation remains tense. As fans and industry insiders rally behind Salman, all eyes are on law enforcement to resolve the case and bring the perpetrators to justice before any harm comes to the beloved Bollywood icon.