Explainer - The long history of threats to Salman Khan and his family

Explainer - The long history of threats to Salman Khan and his family

Salman Khan, one of Bollywood’s most prominent actors, has not only been under the constant gaze of paparazzi and fans but also faced an unsettling string of security threats over the years. These incidents, ranging from anonymous letters and trespassing to open gunfire outside his residence, paint a troubling picture of the dangers lurking around celebrities in India. The most recent developments in May 2025, involving two trespassers in successive days, have once again reignited conversations around his safety.

The Latest Incidents (May 2025)

According to Police officials, two incidents occurred on consecutive days outside Salman Khan’s Galaxy Apartments residence in Bandra.

May 20, 2025: At around 9:45 a.m., a man identified as Jitendra Kumar Singh attempted to enter the building complex. Initially leaving when warned by security, he returned around 7:15 p.m. and managed to enter the compound under the pretext of meeting the actor. After being caught, he was served a notice and asked to appear for further questioning.

May 21, 2025: Around 3 a.m., another person — Isha Chhabria, claiming to be an aspiring model and actor — tried to gain entry. She rang the bell, allegedly wanting to meet the actor, and insisted she had been invited by him. She was caught by guards and later booked for trespassing and break-in under IPC Sections 329 and 331, both of which carry jail time.

These two close-call intrusions triggered a serious police inquiry into the possible lapses in security. Mumbai Police have since strengthened measures outside Khan’s Bandra residence.

Past Threats to Salman Khan and His Family

These aren’t isolated cases. Salman Khan and his family have faced repeated threats over the years, many of which are deeply concerning.

June 2022 – Threat to Salim Khan

In June 2022, Salim Khan, the veteran screenwriter and father of Salman Khan, received a chilling threat letter. The letter was reportedly discovered on a bench near Mumbai’s Bandra Bandstand, where he regularly goes for morning walks. It threatened Salman Khan and was linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang — the same gang associated with several high-profile criminal cases in India.

This incident marked a turning point. It signaled the involvement of organized crime syndicates in threatening Bollywood celebrities, particularly targeting Salman Khan over alleged past controversies and rivalries.

April 14, 2024 – Gunfire Outside Residence

On this day, two unidentified bikers fired gunshots outside the Galaxy Apartments. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but it was seen as a direct threat to the actor’s life. The audacity of the attack — carried out in a high-security zone — sent shockwaves across the industry.

This led to a major boost in Salman Khan’s security. He was soon placed under Y+ security, a classification generally reserved for individuals facing a high threat level. It involves 11 personnel, including 2-4 commandos, offering round-the-clock protection in shifts.

April 15, 2025 – Warning from Gujarat

Just a month before the recent intrusions, another potential threat surfaced. The police in Gujarat issued a notice to a mentally unstable man from Vadodara for issuing threats to Salman Khan. Though the individual was declared mentally unfit, the frequency of such incidents raised alarms over the vulnerabilities surrounding the actor’s public exposure.

The Role of Y+ Security and What It Means

After the April 2024 gunfire incident, Salman Khan was placed under Y+ security cover. This security detail is granted by the government after a thorough threat assessment and is considered one of the more advanced categories of personal protection.

Y+ security is typically provided to individuals facing moderate to high-level threats. In Salman Khan’s case, the inclusion of trained commandos and armed officers ensures round-the-clock surveillance and protection, not only at his home but during travel and public appearances as well.

Why Is Salman Khan a Target?

Salman Khan has remained a controversial figure throughout his career. While his immense fan following and star power have made him a cultural icon, they have also attracted unwanted attention. The 1998 blackbuck poaching case, in which he was accused of killing endangered animals during a film shoot in Rajasthan, has been cited by several criminal groups — including the Bishnoi community, who revere the blackbuck — as the reason for their anger toward him.

Additionally, his celebrity status, immense wealth, and public lifestyle make him an easy target for individuals seeking notoriety, money, or both.