Bollywood actor Salman Khan and Zeeshan Siddique, son of politician Baba Siddique, have received death threats, weeks after the NCP leader was shot dead in Mumbai allegedly by members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The 20-year-old suspected caller was arrested on October 29 in Noida. The involvement of Lawrence Bishnoi in the killing of Baba Siddique on October 12 on a busy road in Bandra has brought back the spectre of the dark world of Mumbai’s underworld.
Beginning from the Nineties, from early gangsters like Karim Lala, Varadarajan Mudaliar and Dawood Ibrahim to more recent dons such as Chhota Rajan, Arun Gawli, Amar Naik and now Lawrence Bishnoi, several gangsters built their arsenal in Mumbai, leaving a mark on the city’s criminal fabric. The name Lawrence Bishnoi, in particular, has become synonymous with organised crime and fear in India. The notorious gangster’s operations are spread across Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, and have now cast their shadow on Mumbai.
Bishnoi came to the spotlight after the high-profile killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022, which was purportedly carried by his gang. The recent incidents involving Zeeshan Siddique, the son of late politician Baba Siddique, and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan have highlighted the deepening reach of Bishnoi’s network, raising serious concerns for the safety of high-profile individuals.
The Targeting of Salman Khan and Zeeshan Siddique
Salman Khan has been receiving death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang since 2022. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has reportedly targeted Salman Khan for many months now. In April, several bullet rounds were allegedly fired outside the Bollywood megastar’s house in Mumbai. The actor has been granted tight security ever since.
On October 25, Baba Siddique’s son, Zeeshan Siddique, a member of the legislative assembly, received a threatening phone call at his office in Bandra, Mumbai. The anonymous caller not only threatened Zeeshan but also demanded money from Bollywood actor Salman Khan. The Bandra police quickly apprehended a 20-year-old suspect, Gurfan, from Noida. While no gang links have been confirmed in Gurfan’s case, the ongoing investigation points to a broader, more organised campaign of intimidation.
This incident is not an isolated one. Before Baba Siddique’s murder on October 12 during Dussehra celebrations, Zeeshan had received warnings of potential attacks. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang later claimed responsibility for the elder Siddique’s murder, allegedly due to his close ties with Salman Khan. The gang’s instructions to “shoot on sight” revealed a chilling plot to eliminate both father and son.
Abhinav Arora: India’s Youngest Spiritual Orator Targeted
The reach of Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang extends beyond politics and Bollywood. Ten-year-old Abhinav Arora, who claims to be India’s youngest spiritual orator, recently faced death threats from the gang. His family reported receiving a threatening call, followed by a message promising harm to the child. Abhinav’s mother expressed disbelief at the situation, questioning why such a young and innocent boy would be targeted.
The Escalating Threat and Diplomatic Tensions
These targeted threats have escalated following the assassination of Baba Siddique, with Mumbai Police making 15 arrests in connection to his murder. Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in Sabarmati Jail, remains at the centre of a criminal network involved in multiple crimes, including murder, extortion, and arms smuggling. His gang’s influence and the audacity of their actions have made headlines across the nation.
Adding a diplomatic dimension, Canadian police recently accused Lawrence Bishnoi of collaborating with Indian agents to threaten and harm members of Canada’s Sikh diaspora. This accusation comes on the heels of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims of India’s involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen. Although New Delhi has vehemently denied these allegations, the fallout has strained relations between India and Canada, with Trudeau expelling India’s top diplomat after he refused to be questioned.
Growing Concerns for Public Figures’ Safety
The incidents involving Zeeshan Siddique, Salman Khan, and Abhinav Arora underscore the alarming reach of Bishnoi’s gang. While law enforcement agencies are working to dismantle the network, the threats and violent acts continue to create an atmosphere of insecurity for public figures.
The recent death of Salman Khan’s close friend, Baba Siddique, only deepens the actor’s sense of vulnerability. The actor is reportedly deeply worried, grappling with sleepless nights and heightened concerns for his safety. For Zeeshan Siddique, the threats serve as a painful reminder of the targeted violence that claimed his father’s life. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen how effectively the authorities can neutralise this growing menace.
Lawrence Bishnoi’s network of intimidation has reached unprecedented heights, targeting politicians, an actor, and even young spiritual figures. The rise of organised crime, fuelled by audacious attacks and relentless threats, calls for stronger policing and strategic actions by law enforcement. As tensions mount and investigations continue, the focus remains on bringing the perpetrators to justice and restoring a sense of safety in the nation’s political and cultural landscape.
At the heart of this saga is the enduring question: How long will this reign of fear continue, and what more must be done to end it once and for all?
