Baba Siddique’s Murder Sparks Bishnoi Gang Threat: Salman Khan and Allies Targeted
This development has heightened the already escalating tensions surrounding Salman Khan, a Bollywood superstar, who has been targeted by the Bishnoi gang in the past due to his alleged involvement in a controversial blackbuck poaching case.
The Murder of Baba Siddique
Baba Siddique, a well-known political figure, was gunned down on a Saturday night near the office of his son, Zeeshan Siddique, who is also an MLA, in Bandra East, Mumbai. The assassination occurred in a busy and public area, sending shockwaves through both the political and entertainment industries. The speculation of gang involvement was confirmed shortly after the murder, with Shubham Rameshwar Lonkar, an associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, claiming responsibility via a Facebook post.
In the post, Lonkar accused Siddique of having links with India’s most wanted terrorist, Dawood Ibrahim, as well as having close ties to Salman Khan. Furthermore, Lonkar referenced the death of Anuj Thapan, a suspect involved in a shooting outside Salman Khan’s house earlier this year. Thapan died under suspicious circumstances while in police custody, with authorities citing suicide, though his family claimed he was tortured.
Bishnoi Gang’s Warning to Salman Khan’s Allies
Following the murder, Lonkar issued a direct warning to those close to Salman Khan, saying, “We do not have any enmity with anyone, but whoever helps Salman Khan and the Dawood gang, keep your accounts in order (‘hisab-kitaab kar lena’).” This message has placed those who assist or are linked to Khan, both personally and professionally, in a dangerous position.
The Bishnoi gang has a notorious reputation, having claimed responsibility for the high-profile murder of Punjabi musician Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022. Now, with their recent threats, Salman Khan’s safety has become a matter of public concern, especially given past incidents.
The Role of Baba Siddique in Bollywood Relations
Baba Siddique was more than just a political figure; he was a prominent figure in Mumbai’s social scene and well-connected with Bollywood’s biggest stars. His iftar parties were widely known, and in 2013, they played a pivotal role in ending a long-standing cold war between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan, two of Bollywood’s most famous actors. For years, the two superstars had maintained a strained relationship, but their reconciliation at Siddique’s party marked the end of their feud, solidifying Siddique’s role as a mediator.
However, Siddique’s association with Bollywood, particularly with Salman Khan, has now drawn unwanted attention from the Bishnoi gang, casting a shadow over the otherwise glamorous and celebratory nature of his gatherings.
Growing Threats to Celebrities Close to Salman Khan
This recent development is not the first time that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has made their presence felt in the world of entertainment. Since last year, at least two celebrities have been targeted for their perceived closeness to Salman Khan.
In November 2023, shots were fired at the house of Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal in Vancouver, Canada. The Bishnoi gang later claimed responsibility, stating that Grewal had been targeted for praising Salman Khan and treating him “like a brother.” Grewal, for his part, clarified that he had only met Khan twice, but this did little to quell the gang’s hostility.
Similarly, in September 2024, shots were fired near the house of another Punjabi singer, AP Dhillon, also in Vancouver. This attack occurred shortly after Dhillon released a video for his song “Old Money,” which featured Salman Khan. Rohit Godara, a notorious Bishnoi gang member, claimed responsibility for the incident, further indicating the gang’s growing reach and influence.
Why is Salman Khan a Target?
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s animosity toward Salman Khan stems from a decades-old incident in 1998 when Khan allegedly poached blackbucks during the filming of the movie Hum Saath Saath Hain near Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The blackbuck is considered sacred by the Bishnoi community, and Khan’s involvement in the incident has made him a target of the gang ever since.
Lawrence Bishnoi himself made his intentions clear during a court appearance in 2018 when he stated, “We will kill Salman Khan in Jodhpur. Everyone will know once we take action. I have not done anything as of now; they are accusing me of crimes for no reason.” His words, along with the gang’s increasing violence, have only added to the fear surrounding Khan’s safety.
Heightened Security Around Salman Khan
Given the escalating threats and recent incidents, security around Salman Khan’s residence—Galaxy Apartments in Bandra—has been significantly tightened. In April 2024, a shooting occurred outside his home, further intensifying concerns for his safety. Salman Khan later informed the police that he believed the attack was orchestrated by the Bishnoi gang with the intention of killing him and his family.
In response, authorities have ramped up security measures, but the growing influence of the Bishnoi gang both within India and abroad has made it clear that the threat to Salman Khan and those associated with him is far from over.
Conclusion
As the investigation into Baba Siddique’s murder unfolds, it is clear that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang is determined to extend its reach and influence. Their targeting of individuals connected to Salman Khan highlights the dangers of such associations in a world where criminal organizations are increasingly crossing paths with the glittering world of entertainment.
For Salman Khan and his allies, the stakes are higher than ever, as the Bishnoi gang shows no sign of backing down.
