Mumbai: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique's brutal murder has sent shockwaves across the nation. According to reports, Lawrence Bishnoi's gang has claimed responsibility for the killing, allegedly due to Siddique's links with Bollywood actor Salman Khan.
On Saturday night, three assailants shot Siddique outside his son Zeeshan's office in Mumbai's Bandra East. The 66-year-old former Maharashtra minister was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared dead. The police have arrested two individuals, Karnail Singh from Haryana and Dharamraj Kashyap from Uttar Pradesh, who claimed to be members of the Bishnoi gang during interrogation.
Investigation and Security Measures
The Crime Branch DCP, Datta Nalawade, stated that the police are verifying the authenticity of a social media post claiming responsibility for the murder. The investigation is being conducted from every angle, with two pistols and 28 rounds recovered from the accused. The Mumbai Police are also working with their counterparts in UP, Delhi, and Haryana to aid in the case.
In light of the threat, Salman Khan's security has been beefed up three times. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel have been deployed outside his residence, and policemen are stationed at every corner of the road leading to his house.
Bishnoi's Feud with Salman Khan
Lawrence Bishnoi has a history of threatening Salman Khan over the 1998 blackbuck killing case. Bishnoi had stated in an interview from Tihar Jail that his sole purpose is to kill Khan, as he humiliated the Bishnoi community by poaching a blackbuck. Khan was sentenced to five years in jail but was later granted bail.
Previous Threats and Incidents
This is not the first time Bishnoi has targeted Salman Khan. In April, gunshots were fired outside Khan's residence in Bandra, and the suspects confessed to being linked to the Bishnoi gang. Khan's manager also received a threat email in March 2023, leading to an FIR being registered against Bishnoi and his associates.