Who and why does Lawrence Bishnoi want to kill Salman Khan?
The rivalry between Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang has captured significant media attention in India. With ties to high-profile crimes and a deep-seated cultural conflict, this feud raises questions about the motivations behind the gang's threats against the actor.
Origins of the Rivalry
The animosity between Salman Khan and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang traces back to 1998 during the filming of Hum Saath Saath Hain in Rajasthan. Allegations surfaced that Khan had hunted two rare black deer, an act that enraged the Bishnoi community, known for their deep reverence for nature and wildlife. In 2018, Khan was sentenced to five years in jail for the blackbuck case but was later granted bail. Since then, the Bishnoi community has regarded him as a target for their wrath.
Importance of Black Deer to the Bishnoi Community
Black deer hold significant cultural and religious importance for the Bishnoi community, who primarily inhabit the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan. As staunch vegetarians and animal protectors, they regard black deer as sacred, linking them to their spiritual beliefs. Hunting blackbucks is illegal under the Indian Wildlife Act, and violations can lead to severe penalties.
Threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang
The threats against Salman Khan from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang have escalated over the years. Notably, in April 2023, gunfire was directed at Khan's residence in Bandra, and his manager received a chilling email from the gang, stating that the community considered the blackbuck an avatar of their religious guru, Lord Jambeshwar. The email warned that the gang would kill Khan unless he and his father sought forgiveness at a temple.
In addition to these threats, there have been numerous claims of plots against Khan's life, with statements like, "We will kill Salman in Jodhpur, and when we do, everyone will know."
Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?
Lawrence Bishnoi, a 31-year-old law graduate, is currently incarcerated in a high-security prison in Gujarat. Since 2015, he has been linked to a sprawling international crime syndicate and faces multiple serious charges. Despite his incarceration, he has continued to exert influence over his gang's operations.
Crimes Associated with the Bishnoi Gang
The Bishnoi gang has been implicated in several high-profile murders, including that of Punjabi singer Sidhu Musewala in May 2022. The gang fired 30 bullets at Musewala’s vehicle, killing him instantly. More recently, they claimed responsibility for the murder of former Maharashtra state minister Baba Siddiqui, citing his connections to Salman Khan and underworld figures like Dawood Ibrahim as motives.
Conclusion
The conflict between Salman Khan and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang is rooted in cultural beliefs, criminal activity, and personal vendettas. The gang’s threats and violent actions highlight a complex intersection of crime and community values, leaving many to wonder about the future of this high-profile rivalry.
