By – Shubhendra Singh Rajawat
In a shocking turn of events, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for the murder of Baba Siddique, a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics and a close associate of Bollywood actor Salman Khan. Following the assassination, the gang has issued a chilling warning to anyone who supports Khan, signaling a potential escalation in their ongoing feud.
Baba Siddique, a three-time MLA and former minister, was gunned down near his son’s office in Bandra East on Saturday night. Speculations regarding the involvement of the Bishnoi gang began immediately, and were confirmed when Shubham Rameshwar Lonkar, an associate of the gang currently in jail, took to Facebook to claim responsibility. The post, allegedly made by Lonkar’s brother Pravin—who was arrested shortly after—stated that Siddique was killed due to his connections with the infamous terrorist Dawood Ibrahim and his closeness to Salman Khan.
Lonkar’s post also referenced the death of Anuj Thapan, a suspect arrested in connection with a shooting outside Khan’s residence. Thapan died under controversial circumstances in police custody, which has fueled further outrage and speculation.
In the post, Lonkar ominously warned, “We do not have any enmity with anyone, but whoever helps Salman Khan and the Dawood gang, keep your accounts in order.” Police are currently working to verify the authenticity of this alarming message.
Baba Siddique was known for hosting lavish gatherings, including an infamous ‘iftar’ party in 2013 that marked the end of a long-standing feud between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. The implications of his murder extend beyond the political realm, as it highlights the increasing danger facing those associated with Khan.
The Bishnoi gang, notorious for its criminal activities, has previously targeted at least two celebrities perceived as close to Salman Khan. Recently, shots were fired at the homes of Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal and AP Dhillon in Vancouver, both incidents linked to the gang due to their associations with Khan.
The conflict traces back to an incident in 1998, when Salman Khan was accused of shooting blackbucks in Rajasthan, an act that outraged the Bishnoi community, which reveres the animal. Lawrence Bishnoi himself has publicly declared intentions to harm Khan, further intensifying the tension.
In response to these threats, security measures around Salman Khan’s residence, Galaxy Apartments in Bandra, have been significantly increased following prior shooting incidents believed to be orchestrated by the Bishnoi gang. Additionally, security has been heightened in the Malabar Hill area of South Mumbai, where several political figures reside.
As investigations continue, the implications of Baba Siddique’s murder and the threats against Salman Khan raise serious concerns about the intersection of celebrity culture, politics, and organized crime in India.