The Mumbai police have heightened security measures for Bollywood superstar Salman Khan following yet another death threat directed at him. This recent threat marks the second time in ten days that the actor has received such warnings. The message, sent via WhatsApp to the Mumbai traffic control room on Monday, demanded that Salman Khan visit a temple belonging to the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan to apologize or pay a sum of Rs 5 crore.
Failing to comply, the message warned, would result in severe consequences for the actor. The sender identified himself as being linked to the Bishnoi gang, a criminal group allegedly associated with notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.
This is not the first time Salman Khan has found himself in the crosshairs of the Bishnoi community. The Bishnois hold the blackbuck—a species Salman was accused of poaching in the late 1990s—in high regard, as it is sacred to their cultural and religious beliefs.
The Bishnoi community has remained vocal in their opposition to Khan since the incident, which led to years of court battles for the actor. This historical animosity, combined with Lawrence Bishnoi’s statements in the past, has made Salman Khan a persistent target for threats from individuals claiming association with the Bishnoi gang.
Details of the Latest Threat
The latest message sent on WhatsApp reportedly included specific demands and threats. The sender stated that if Salman Khan wanted to “stay alive,” he should either visit the Bishnoi community temple and apologize or pay Rs 5 crore. If Khan failed to do so, the message threatened, he would face fatal consequences. The sender emphasized that the Bishnoi gang remains active and would act on its warnings.
Upon receiving the message, the Mumbai police promptly launched an investigation to trace its origin. Cyber experts were brought in to assist the police in identifying the sender’s location and identity. Initially, investigators traced the location of the message to Karnataka. However, they soon encountered an obstacle: the sender had used a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to mask their real location, making it challenging to pinpoint their exact whereabouts.
Police Action and Investigation
In a significant development, Karnataka police detained a 35-year-old man in Bengaluru in connection with the death threat. This arrest was based on information shared by the Mumbai police, who are treating the matter with utmost seriousness. The detained individual, a welder by trade, is now undergoing interrogation. According to police sources, the suspect does not seem to have any clear ties to organized crime or high-profile gang affiliations. Nonetheless, investigators hope that further questioning will shed light on whether he has any real connection to Lawrence Bishnoi or his gang, or if this was an isolated act.
A senior police official remarked on the complexity of the case, explaining that while the threat may appear lacking in credibility, no threat to a prominent public figure like Salman Khan can be taken lightly. “We cannot dismiss these messages outright, especially considering the actor’s previous experiences and the heightened public interest surrounding him,” the officer stated. The police have categorized the case under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, focusing on extortion and criminal intimidation. They are actively working with cybercrime experts to track the source of the latest threat.
The Broader Context of Threats Against Khan
This recent threat is not an isolated incident. Last week, a similar message was sent to the Mumbai traffic control room, demanding that Khan pay Rs 2 crore to avoid harm. That case was quickly resolved when the police apprehended a suspect, Azam Mohammed Mustafa, a resident of Bandra East in Mumbai. These recurring threats have led to increased scrutiny and a fortified security presence around the actor, who is one of Bollywood’s biggest stars.
The motives behind these threats remain murky. While some analysts suggest that these messages could be attention-seeking attempts by individuals with no real gang affiliation, the police are not ruling out the possibility of a deeper link to Lawrence Bishnoi’s criminal network. The Bishnoi gang, as per law enforcement agencies, remains active and is known for its involvement in several high-profile cases.
Security Measures and Future Steps
Mumbai police officials have reassured the public that they are leaving no stone unturned in ensuring Salman Khan’s safety. A team of crime branch officers is working alongside cyber experts to monitor digital communications and prevent further incidents. Additionally, Mumbai police have coordinated with law enforcement agencies across states to ensure a cohesive response to any potential threat against the actor.
“We are also checking if the message was really linked to the Bishnoi gang or someone just sent it for fun,” noted a senior officer. Despite the perceived risk level, Mumbai police are committed to taking every precaution necessary. This includes ongoing surveillance, securing the actor’s residence, and frequent patrols in areas where Khan is expected to appear publicly.
As investigations proceed, the police aim to clarify whether this wave of threats is a targeted campaign by the Bishnoi gang or a series of isolated incidents from individuals seeking attention. In the meantime, the increased security around Salman Khan underscores the serious approach the police are taking to safeguard the star amid these disturbing developments.
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