Why Is Lawrence Bishnoi After Salman Khan?

Lawrence Bishnoi vs. Salman Khan: Understanding the Feud

The conflict between gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has garnered significant media attention over the past few years. What began as a cryptic threat from an obscure criminal has evolved into a major security issue for one of India’s biggest film icons. To understand why Lawrence Bishnoi has developed a vendetta against Salman Khan, it’s essential to explore the roots of Bishnoi’s background, his criminal activities, and the specific incident that triggered his anger towards the actor.

Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?

Lawrence Bishnoi is a notorious gangster from the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan, who has been involved in various criminal activities, including extortion, murder, and drug trafficking. He hails from the Abohar region of Punjab and rose to prominence in the late 2010s due to his growing influence within the criminal underworld, particularly in northern India. Bishnoi’s gang, which operates across several states including Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana, is known for violent acts and terrorizing businessmen, celebrities, and political figures.

Bishnoi comes from the Bishnoi community, which is well-known for its reverence for nature and animals, particularly blackbucks, which are considered sacred in their tradition. The Bishnois have a long history of environmentalism and wildlife protection, with their community’s ethics deeply rooted in their respect for all living beings. It is this connection that has been central to Bishnoi’s hatred for Salman Khan.

The Blackbuck Poaching Case

To understand the origins of Lawrence Bishnoi’s animosity toward Salman Khan, one must revisit the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. During the filming of the movie Hum Saath Saath Hain in Rajasthan, Salman Khan, along with fellow actors Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam Kothari, was accused of hunting and killing two blackbucks, a species of antelope that is protected under Indian wildlife law. The incident took place near Jodhpur, an area with a significant Bishnoi population.

The blackbuck is not only an endangered species but also holds religious significance for the Bishnoi community. For the Bishnois, the killing of a blackbuck is a grave offense, as they consider the animal a reincarnation of their ancestors. The case against Salman Khan has dragged on for more than two decades, with multiple twists and turns in the legal proceedings. While Salman was convicted in 2018 and sentenced to five years in prison by a Jodhpur court, he was later granted bail. The case remains ongoing, and the Bishnoi community continues to demand justice.

Bishnoi’s Vendetta Against Salman Khan

Lawrence Bishnoi’s intense dislike for Salman Khan stems from his community’s deep-rooted beliefs about the sanctity of blackbucks and the perceived injustice of the actor’s involvement in the poaching case. As a member of the Bishnoi community, Bishnoi took the poaching incident personally, viewing it not just as a violation of wildlife laws but as a direct affront to his community’s values. This perceived offense to the blackbuck and the Bishnois is what triggered his vendetta against the Bollywood star.

In 2018, while being presented in a Jodhpur court for an unrelated case, Bishnoi issued his first public threat against Salman Khan, declaring that the actor would be killed for his role in the blackbuck poaching case. He explicitly mentioned that the Bishnoi community would not forgive Khan and that he would face dire consequences for killing the sacred animal. Despite being in police custody at the time, Bishnoi’s threat sparked widespread alarm, leading to increased security measures for Salman Khan.

The Threats Intensify

While Lawrence Bishnoi was initially regarded as just another gangster with empty threats, subsequent events proved otherwise. In 2020, Bishnoi’s associate, Rahul alias “Sanga,” was arrested for plotting to kill Salman Khan. The police uncovered a well-coordinated plan to target the actor, with the aim of avenging the blackbuck incident. This revelation confirmed that Bishnoi and his gang were actively seeking to harm Khan, and the threat was far from hollow.

The seriousness of Bishnoi’s threats escalated further in 2022, following the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. The killing was linked to Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang, further establishing their influence and ability to carry out high-profile criminal activities. Shortly after Moosewala’s murder, a letter addressed to Salman Khan and his father, Salim Khan, was discovered near their residence in Mumbai. The letter, allegedly from the Bishnoi gang, warned Salman of dire consequences, stating, “Salim Khan, Salman Khan Bahut Jald Aapka Moosewala Karenge (Salim Khan, Salman Khan, you will meet the same fate as Moosewala).”

The letter sent shockwaves through the film industry and prompted Mumbai police to beef up Salman Khan’s security once again. This incident confirmed that Bishnoi’s threats were more than just words; they were part of an orchestrated effort to settle scores with the actor.

Bishnoi’s Criminal Network

Lawrence Bishnoi is not just a lone actor in his feud with Salman Khan. He operates a vast criminal network, with connections to several gangs and henchmen across northern India. Bishnoi’s gang is known for extortion, smuggling, and assassinations, and they have built a reputation for carrying out violent acts. Their influence extends beyond India, with links to the arms trade and drug smuggling operations.

Bishnoi’s network also includes infamous criminals like Sampat Nehra and Goldy Brar, both of whom have been associated with various high-profile crimes. Sampat Nehra, one of Bishnoi’s close associates, was arrested in 2018 for plotting to assassinate Salman Khan. He had conducted a recce of Khan’s house and movements, and it was revealed that he was planning to carry out a sniper attack on the actor. However, Nehra’s arrest thwarted the plot, and Salman Khan’s life was saved.

This growing nexus of criminals within the Bishnoi gang makes the threat to Salman Khan all the more credible. Bishnoi has proven his capacity to organize and execute complex criminal operations, and his influence within the underworld continues to grow despite his incarceration.

Salman Khan’s Response and Security Measures

In response to the threats from Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang, Salman Khan has taken several steps to protect himself and his family. The Mumbai police have upgraded the actor’s security detail, assigning armed guards to protect him at all times. Salman has also obtained a gun license for self-defense, indicating the level of seriousness with which he views the threats.

The actor has generally remained silent on the issue, refraining from making public statements about Bishnoi’s threats. However, his security measures and the legal efforts by his team reflect the gravity of the situation. The Mumbai police, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, have been actively working to prevent any harm to the actor.

Conclusion

The feud between Lawrence Bishnoi and Salman Khan is not just a personal vendetta; it is a reflection of the deep cultural and ideological rift caused by the blackbuck poaching case. For Bishnoi, Salman Khan’s actions represent an insult to his community’s beliefs, and this personal affront has spiraled into a high-stakes conflict involving threats, criminal plots, and heightened security concerns.

While Salman Khan remains one of Bollywood’s most beloved and influential figures, the shadow of Bishnoi’s threats continues to loom large over him. As the legal proceedings in the blackbuck case continue, and with Bishnoi’s gang gaining more notoriety, the conflict between the two figures underscores the dangerous intersection of crime, culture, and celebrity in India today.