Mumbai, October 22, 2024 — In a significant development, the Mumbai Sessions Court denied bail to an alleged active member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, accused of firing shots at a gallery frequented by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The court’s decision follows the growing concerns over the actor’s safety amid persistent threats from the Bishnoi gang.
The accused, whose name has not been disclosed, reportedly opened fire at the gallery in Bandra, Mumbai, a place often visited by Salman Khan for his morning workouts. This incident is part of a series of intimidation tactics allegedly employed by the gang, which has long harbored hostility towards the actor.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a notorious criminal syndicate with deep-rooted ties to organized crime across northern India, has been targeting Khan for years. Bishnoi, who is currently in prison, has repeatedly expressed animosity towards the actor due to an alleged 1998 poaching case involving blackbucks, which are sacred to the Bishnoi community. The gang has issued multiple death threats to Khan in the past, with claims of revenge for the killing of the endangered species.
Court Denies Bail Amid Security Concerns
During the hearing, the prosecution emphasized the serious nature of the crime and the ongoing threats to Khan’s life. They argued that releasing the accused on bail could endanger the safety of both the actor and the public. The court concurred, citing the need for a thorough investigation and the gravity of the charges, which include attempted murder and criminal conspiracy.
The accused’s lawyer contended that his client had been falsely implicated and had no direct involvement with the firing incident. However, the court was not convinced by the defense’s arguments, considering the alleged links to the Bishnoi gang and the potential risk to the public.
Salman Khan’s Security Beefed Up
Following this incident, the Mumbai Police have intensified security measures around Salman Khan. The actor has been provided with additional layers of protection, including an armed personal security detail. Khan himself has reportedly expressed concerns over the threats and has limited his public appearances in recent months.
The investigation into the shooting incident is ongoing, with authorities probing possible links between the accused and other members of the Bishnoi gang. The police are also exploring whether the attack was a direct attempt on Khan’s life or merely a warning shot as part of the gang’s broader intimidation strategy.
Background: Bishnoi’s Longstanding Threats
Lawrence Bishnoi’s enmity towards Salman Khan dates back to the blackbuck poaching case, in which the actor was accused of killing two blackbucks during the filming of “Hum Saath-Saath Hain” in 1998. Though Khan was acquitted by a Rajasthan court, the Bishnoi community, known for its staunch conservation efforts, has never forgiven him. Bishnoi himself, who operates his criminal network from behind bars, has reportedly stated on multiple occasions that he intends to seek revenge.
The court’s denial of bail in this case sends a strong message regarding the seriousness of the ongoing threats against Salman Khan. Authorities are working to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent further attempts on the actor’s life.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on dismantling the criminal network of the Bishnoi gang and bringing those responsible for the attack to justice.