NEW DELHI: Bollywood actor Salman Khan received a new extortion and murder threat on Friday morning, which is a startling development. According to news sources, a threat mail demanding Rs 5 crore in extortion money from the Bollywood actor was sent to the Mumbai traffic police.
The threat, which was purportedly delivered via WhatsApp to a Mumbai Traffic Police number, said that Khan would have to pay the extortion money in order to end his long-running conflict with the imprisoned mobster Lawrence Bishnoi.
Suspected to have been sent by a member of the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi gang, the sender said that noncompliance would have severe repercussions, ‘worse than Baba Siddiqui’, who was shot dead on October 12.
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A Mumbai Police spokeswoman said, “A threatening message has been received on the Mumbai Traffic Police’s WhatsApp number, demanding Rs 5 crore from actor Salman Khan to end his long-standing rivalry with Lawrence Bishnoi.”
The message also issued a warning: “Don’t take it lightly. Salman Khan will have to pay Rs 5 crore to settle his animosity with Lawrence Bishnoi and to survive. Salman Khan will be in worse shape than Baba Siddique if the money is not provided.
The identity and motivations of the sender are being investigated by the Mumbai Police. After a similar incident last month, in which a young couple threatened the actor’s father, Salim Khan, in what they later said was “just for fun,” authorities are not taking any chances.
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Security has been tightened outside the actor’s Bandra residence, according to ANI. Police vehicles and vans were still parked close to the actor’s residence, and armed police officers were seen sitting outside the actor’s home in location videos.
Salman Khan and his family have endured numerous threats from the Bishnoi gang over the years, including ultimatums, extortion demands, and even a warning shot fired outside their home in April. The firing event was referred to as a “final warning” by the gang at the time.
The Mumbai Police have reportedly increased security around Khan’s office, neighboring studios, and the Goregaon Film City shooting areas. Stricter oversight of guests has also been implemented at the actor’s regular travel routes and the family’s Panvel country home, Arpita Farms. Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, a case for extortion and threats has been filed at the Worli Police Station.