Bollywood icon Salman Khan is once again the target of a death threat, with an unknown caller demanding a ransom of ₹2 crore. This latest incident underscores an ongoing security threat to the actor, a situation intensified by recent arrests related to similar threats. The latest threatening messages were sent via WhatsApp to the Mumbai Police Traffic Helpline, alerting authorities who have responded swiftly with an investigation. This resurgence of danger has raised concerns for Khan’s safety, especially following previous incidents linked to gang activity and high-profile arrests.
New Ransom Demand: The Threat Unfolds
On Tuesday, an unidentified individual sent a series of WhatsApp messages to the Mumbai Police, demanding ₹2 crore and threatening to kill Khan if payment was not made. This threat came on the heels of a separate incident where a young man from Noida, Uttar Pradesh, was detained for allegedly making death threats against Salman Khan and Zeeshan Siddique, an MLA and member of the NCP (Nationalist Congress Party). Police believe that this individual, identified as Gufran Khan (also known as Mohammed Tayyab), issued threats following the recent murder of Zeeshan Siddique’s father, former MLA Baba Siddique. Gufran Khan is now in custody under transit remand after being arrested on Monday.
Police Action and Immediate Response
Mumbai Police have acted promptly, initiating a case against the unknown caller responsible for Tuesday’s threats. Officers from Worli Police Station reported that the messages contain direct references to the potential killing of Khan if demands are unmet. The authorities have registered a case under specific sections of the Indian Penal Code, marking a serious investigation into this issue. The alarming frequency of threats against Khan has forced the police to ramp up security around his residence, Galaxy Apartments, where a similar incident occurred earlier this year. In April, two men arrived at the actor’s home and fired multiple gunshots before fleeing the scene, escalating concerns for Khan’s safety.
The Connection to Baba Siddique’s Death
The threats against Khan are notably interconnected with the assassination of Baba Siddique, a three-time MLA and a close associate of Khan. Siddique was killed in October outside his son’s office in Mumbai, with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang subsequently claiming responsibility for the attack. This gang, notorious for high-profile criminal activities, has also been linked to previous threats against Bollywood celebrities, including Khan. The ongoing threats to Zeeshan Siddique seem to echo a larger undercurrent of intimidation against those connected to his late father, intensifying the need for vigilant security measures.
As Salman Khan faces yet another life-threatening situation, the role of organized crime in celebrity threats remains a pressing concern. Mumbai Police are steadfast in their commitment to uncovering the source of these threats and maintaining Khan’s safety. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities surrounding celebrity security in India, where public figures frequently become targets due to their affiliations or high-profile status.
(With inputs from agencies)
