Rapper Emiway Bantai, who's real name is Muhammad Bilal Shaikh, has reportedly received a death threat from an individual claiming to be Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar—an alleged close aide of incarcerated criminal Lawrence Bishnoi, police have said.
As per News18, on May 25, the threatening message—which also demanded a ransom of Rs 1 crore—was sent to a mobile number associated with the rapper's music label, Bantai Records.
According to the police, the chilling message read: “I am gangster Goldy Brar. Your singer has 24 hours. I want Rs 1 crore or else I will kill him.” Officers also noted that the name of Rohit Godara, another associate of Bishnoi currently based in the United States, was mentioned in the message.
An employee of Bantai Records was the first to notice the threatening communication and promptly notified authorities. After that, a formal complaint was filed at Emiway's home, the NRI Coastal Police Station in Navi Mumbai. Investigations are currently underway, and more information is anticipated.
Notably, the threat came just days after Emiway released a musical homage to late Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moosewala, which some believe may have triggered the warning. In a heartfelt statement accompanying the release of the tribute track, Emiway said, “Sidhu Moosewala is more than an artist–he’s a movement. His voice, his message, and his spirit continue to inspire me and so many others every single day. ‘Tribute to Sidhu Moosewala’ is my way of showing love and respect to someone who changed the game in his own way. Sidhu and I had actually spoken about collaborating. It was something we both wanted. This tribute is my way of making that dream a reality.”
On May 29, 2022, Sidhu Moosewala was tragically shot dead in Punjab's Mansa district. While driving through Jawaharke village in his car, the artist was shot several times. Despite being taken to the hospital right away, he passed away from his wounds before getting help.
Following his death, his parents spearheaded a public campaign demanding justice, and a music video paying tribute to the slain artist even featured a banner that read “Justice for Sidhu Moosewala.”
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