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Gunfire at Salman Khan’s Residence; Brother of Lawrence Bishnoi Claims Responsibility
In the early hours of Sunday at 5 am, two unidentified individuals riding a motorbike opened fire outside the residence of Bollywood actor Salman Khan in Bandra, Mumbai. Mumbai Police reported receiving information about three rounds of gunfire targeting the Galaxy Apartments in the Bandra area. Promptly, the Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch dispatched teams to investigate the incident. Concurrently, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde engaged in a telephone conversation with Salman Khan, expressing concern for his safety. Shinde further deliberated with the Mumbai Police Commissioner, recommending heightened security measures for the actor. CCTV footage is being meticulously gathered by authorities to identify the assailants, while security around Khan’s home has been notably reinforced.
In April 2023, Salman Khan encountered a fresh threat originating from an individual in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, allegedly affiliated with cow protection activism. The threat materialized through a phone call to the Mumbai Police control room at 9 pm on April 10. The caller, who introduced himself as Rocky Bhai from Jodhpur, triggered an immediate investigation by Mumbai Police, resulting in the apprehension of a 16-year-old boy from Thane.
In November 2022, Salman Khan’s security status was upgraded to Y-Plus in response to threats from Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar. Additionally, Khan was granted authorization to carry a personal firearm and procured a new armored vehicle to bolster his protection measures.
In June 2022, an anonymous individual issued a threat to Salman Khan through a handwritten note. The note was discovered at a location on Bandra Bandstand frequented by the actor’s father, Salim Khan. It ominously stated that Salman Khan would face a fate similar to that of singer Sidhu Moose Wala, who was allegedly killed by the Bishnoi gang in Punjab’s Mansa district in May 2022. Promptly, an FIR was lodged in connection with this threatening letter, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Why Did Lawrence Bishnoi Threaten Salman Khan?
Lawrence Bishnoi’s threat against Salman Khan stemmed from an incident dating back to 1999. In a 2023 interview with ABP news channel, Bishnoi asserted that Khan had allegedly disgraced the Bishnoi community by reportedly killing a blackbuck. The accusations arose from an incident during the shooting of Khan’s film “Hum Saath Saath Hain,” where he, along with co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Neelam, and Tabu, faced complaints from members of the Bishnoi community regarding the killing of blackbucks in Rajasthan. This incident served as the catalyst for Bishnoi’s perceived vendetta against Khan.
As of now, neither the police nor Khan’s family has issued an official statement regarding the actor’s presence during the incident. Reacting to the alarming occurrence, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anand Dubey criticized the government’s handling of law and order, highlighting a perceived sense of insecurity prevailing in Mumbai and Maharashtra. His remarks underscored recent incidents of violence, including the firing in Mumbai and an MLA being targeted in Dombivali, calling for accountability from the Home Minister and Chief Minister.
Bollywood actress Pooja Bhatt condemned
Bollywood actress Pooja Bhatt expressed shock and condemnation via social media, emphasizing the need for stringent surveillance in Bandra. She highlighted the disconcerting nature of the incident, particularly with police presence in the vicinity, raising questions about the efficacy of existing security measures. This event reignites concerns over safety in the area, previously punctuated by robberies and, now, a brazen shootout.
This recent incident echoes previous threats against Salman Khan. In March of the preceding year, an email directed at Khan’s office prompted the Mumbai Police to file an FIR against alleged gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar, alongside another individual. The email, received by Prashant Gunjalkar, an associate frequently visiting Khan’s Bandra residence, referred to an interview featuring Bishnoi and implied impending danger if matters remained unresolved. Similarly, in June 2022, Khan received threats via a handwritten note from an unidentified sender.
These recurring incidents underscore the persistent challenges faced by high-profile figures like Salman Khan and raise broader concerns about safety and security in Mumbai. The swift response by law enforcement is crucial in restoring confidence and ensuring the safety of residents and public figures alike.
Deputy Commissioner of Police for Zone 9, Raj Tilak Roushan, disclosed that at approximately 5 am, two unidentified individuals arrived on a motorbike and discharged several rounds outside the residence of actor Salman Khan. The assailants swiftly fled the scene following the incident, having fired an estimated 4-5 rounds. In response, law enforcement has mobilized 15 police teams to thoroughly investigate the matter from various perspectives. Roushan expressed confidence in the investigative efforts, assuring that the perpetrators will be apprehended expeditiously.
Captured CCTV Footage
Later in the evening, police sources confirmed the identity of one of the suspects, captured on CCTV footage, as Vishal, also known as Kalu, believed to be a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Despite having Y-plus category security cover, Salman Khan and his family were present at home during the gunfire incident, fortunately escaping unharmed, as reported by the police. Following the shooting, a city-wide alert was issued, with road barriers set up on strategic routes to aid in the apprehension of the suspects. Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 9, Raj Tilak Roushan, disclosed that the assailants, riding a motorbike, fired multiple rounds outside Khan’s residence around 5 am before fleeing the scene. With 15 police teams deployed to investigate the matter comprehensively, Roushan affirmed the authorities’ commitment to swiftly apprehending the shooters, conducting a thorough inquiry from all possible angles.
Forensic experts action
Forensic experts were dispatched to the scene, accompanied by local police and crime branch personnel, to collect evidence and initiate a thorough investigation into the incident. As of now, neither the police nor Salman Khan’s family has released any official statement regarding the actor’s presence at home during the time of the incident.
