Man arrested for threatening Salman Khan with ₹5 crore ransom, claims loyalty to Bishnoi gang

Bhika Ram Bishnoi, a 32-year-old man, was arrested in Karnataka for allegedly threatening Bollywood actor Salman Khan with a ₹5 crore ransom. The threat, which was sent via WhatsApp to Mumbai traffic police, stated that Khan would be killed unless the ransom was paid or the actor publicly apologized for his involvement in the 1998 Blackbuck poaching case. The message also claimed that the gang was still active and would harm Khan if their demands were not met. Bhika Ram Bishnoi claimed to be a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a criminal organization known for its violent activities and strong connections to the Bishnoi community.

Following his arrest, Bhika Ram Bishnoi was brought to Mumbai, where he was interrogated by the Worli police. During questioning, he reportedly told officers that he idolized Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious gangster who is currently incarcerated. He said that he had been following Bishnoi’s actions, including his efforts to support the Bishnoi community, from prison. Bhika Ram further revealed that he intended to use the ₹5 crore ransom to build a temple for the Bishnoi community. He emphasized that he felt no regret for his actions, stating that he was willing to go to jail for the community, particularly in relation to the Blackbuck poaching case.

The Bishnoi gang’s threat against Salman Khan is tied to the actor’s conviction in the Blackbuck poaching case. Khan was found guilty in 2018 of killing two blackbucks, a protected species, during a hunting trip in Rajasthan in 1998. The Bishnoi community, known for their reverence for nature and wildlife, considers the blackbuck sacred, and the case has fueled long-standing animosity between the community and Khan. The Bishnoi gang, led by Lawrence Bishnoi, has reportedly targeted Khan due to his perceived disrespect towards the community’s beliefs, particularly regarding the Blackbuck case.

The ransom demand comes after another separate threat made earlier this week, in which the actor was demanded ₹2 crore. In both instances, the messages threatened to kill Khan unless their financial demands were met. Mumbai police are treating these threats as serious, given the history of violence and intimidation associated with the Bishnoi gang. Despite these repeated threats, Salman Khan has not publicly addressed the controversy surrounding the Blackbuck poaching case, nor has he apologized for the incident.

Bhika Ram Bishnoi’s arrest was part of a broader investigation by Mumbai Police, who had been tracking the gang’s activities. He was apprehended in Karnataka and transported to Mumbai, where police continue to probe the extent of his involvement in the threats. Authorities are also investigating any links to larger criminal networks connected to Lawrence Bishnoi, who has been involved in multiple criminal activities, including extortion and threats. The ongoing threats against Salman Khan underscore the continuing security concerns for the actor, as he faces increasing pressure from both the Bishnoi community and organized criminal elements. Mumbai Police have ramped up security measures for Khan following this latest threat and are working to ensure his safety.