Mumbai, India – Bollywood actor Salman Khan found himself targeted by members of a criminal gang recently, over decades-old incidents involving the killing of two blackbucks. The Bishnoi gang, known for its involvement in murders and extortion, took aim at Khan’s residence in apparent retaliation for his hunting trip that led to the death of the antelopes, considered sacred by the desert-based religious sect.
Khan, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, has been under the gang’s watchful eye since 1998 when he shot the blackbucks while on a recreational hunting excursion. The gang’s leader, Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently incarcerated, has previously issued threats against Khan, including the mention of assassination.
The recent incident occurred in the early hours of a Sunday when two individuals on a motorbike fired shots at Khan’s apartment in the upscale Bandra neighborhood of Mumbai. Despite the gunfire, Khan, who typically has armed security due to threats on his life, was present in the residence at the time.
Authorities were able to track down and arrest the two suspects, aged 24 and 21, in Gujarat following the attack on Khan’s home. The Bishnoi community has actively pursued legal action against Khan for the blackbuck shooting for two decades, resulting in a five-year jail sentence for the actor in 2018 under the Wildlife Protection Act.
Aside from his legal troubles related to the hunting incident, Khan’s personal life has been marred by controversies, including a hit-and-run incident in 2002 where he was accused of running over five individuals, resulting in one fatality. While Khan was initially acquitted, the case remains ongoing, with authorities challenging the decision in 2016.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Salman Khan remains a prolific figure in Bollywood, having appeared in numerous films and television shows over the years. The recent incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies that have surrounded the actor throughout his career.