In a shocking development that has once again drawn attention to the growing threats to Bollywood celebrities, a 32-year-old man from Rajasthan was arrested in Karnataka for allegedly issuing a death threat to Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The man, identified as Ashok Kumar, reportedly claimed to be a fan of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, the infamous criminal figure linked to a number of high-profile cases, including threats to several prominent personalities in India. The arrest has once again brought the spotlight on the increasing menace of organized crime syndicates and the audacity of those who threaten high-profile individuals in the entertainment industry. The incident began when Salman Khan, the beloved actor known for his roles in films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan and the Dabangg series, received an anonymous death threat earlier this year. The threat was sent through an email, and the sender explicitly mentioned that the actor would be targeted by a group associated with notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. This was not the first time that Salman Khan had received such threats, as he had been the target of similar warnings in the past, particularly in connection with the blackbuck poaching case from 1998, for which Bishnoi has openly expressed his animosity toward Khan. The email was alarming not only for its chilling tone but also for its claim of having concrete plans to harm Salman Khan. It was made clear that the threat was being orchestrated by a faction of Bishnoi’s gang, which has been involved in several criminal activities, including extortion, murder, and threats against prominent individuals. Khan, who had previously faced threats from various sources, including the notorious gangster’s faction, was understandably rattled by the development. In response to the threat, Mumbai Police took immediate action and launched an investigation to trace the source of the email. After several weeks of intense investigation, the police were able to trace the email to a location in Karnataka, where the alleged sender was found and apprehended. The arrested individual, Ashok Kumar, is a 32-year-old man from Rajasthan who had been living in Karnataka for some time. According to the police, Kumar admitted to being a follower of Lawrence Bishnoi and allegedly took inspiration from the gangster’s notorious activities. Kumar claimed to be acting on his own accord and had no direct involvement with Bishnoi’s gang members, but the police found that he had been in regular contact with individuals from the criminal syndicate, further raising suspicions about the scale of the threat. During questioning, Kumar allegedly confessed that he was motivated by a desire to make a name for himself in the criminal world by threatening a high-profile figure like Salman Khan. He reportedly told the investigators that he believed issuing such threats would earn him recognition and respect in the circles associated with Lawrence Bishnoi. Kumar’s admiration for Bishnoi’s criminal activities, especially his infamous animosity toward Salman Khan, seemed to be the driving force behind his actions. This arrest sheds light on the broader issue of how certain criminal gangs, such as the Bishnoi gang, have been able to inspire individuals, particularly those who are disenfranchised or seeking a way to make their mark, to resort to threats and violence. These individuals, acting alone or in small groups, have been known to emulate the behavior of notorious criminals like Bishnoi, seeking recognition and power through violent means. Lawrence Bishnoi, currently one of India’s most wanted gangsters, has been linked to a series of criminal activities across several states, including extortion, murder, and threats against high-profile individuals.
Bishnoi’s gang, which originated in the state of Punjab, has grown to become a major force in the world of organized crime in India. One of the most high-profile threats linked to Bishnoi was his open declaration of animosity towards Bollywood actor Salman Khan, stemming from the actor’s conviction in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, in which Bishnoi’s community, the Bishnoi tribe, has strong religious and cultural ties to wildlife protection. Bishnoi’s network has spread far beyond Punjab, with members involved in criminal activities in various parts of India, including Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi. Bishnoi himself has been imprisoned multiple times but continues to exert influence over his gang members, even from behind bars. His criminal syndicate reportedly operates through a network of associates, including smaller gangsters and individuals like Ashok Kumar, who carry out his orders or act independently but still associate themselves with his gang for power and protection. The growing influence of Bishnoi’s criminal empire is a worrying trend for law enforcement agencies, as his faction has been emboldened by several high-profile incidents where threats against Bollywood figures and politicians have gone unchallenged for long periods. The audacity of individuals like Kumar, who are willing to issue direct threats to well-protected celebrities, indicates a deeper sense of impunity and growing fear among the public regarding the reach of organized crime syndicates. Salman Khan, who has been the target of repeated threats over the years, is no stranger to controversy and the dangers that come with his fame. His role in the blackbuck poaching case, which is a source of ongoing legal and public relations fallout, has made him a prime target for individuals and groups seeking to exact revenge or gain notoriety. Khan has received a range of threats in the past, including those from the underworld and even from within his own industry, but the persistent nature of these threats is becoming increasingly concerning. For the broader Bollywood industry, the constant threat of violence is a reminder of the high stakes that celebrities face in the age of social media and organized crime. In a time when celebrity culture is heavily influenced by public opinion, both on-screen and off-screen, the safety and security of stars like Salman Khan are often compromised by those seeking to gain attention through violent means. The industry’s growing dependence on global audiences and collaborations with international studios has only added to the risks, as actors are often exposed to threats from various factions criminal.
