Key Highlights:
Bollywood icon Salman Khan is back in news after BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav suggests that the actor should apologize to the Bishnoi community after Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddique fell prey to the murder bell. This incident happened on 12th October, 2024 on Dussehra. Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which is terrorizing Salman Khan for years now, has claimed responsibility for killing NCP leader Baba Siddique.
The Connection Between Salman Khan, Baba Siddique, and the Bishnoi Gang
Baba Siddique was a big political figure in Mumbai and highly connected with Salman Khan. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang had, earlier, threatened both men, mainly because of their association with the 1998 poaching case of blackbuck, which was a point of great offense to the Bishnoi community, as they have a religious equivalent, which is the reincarnation of Bhagwan Jambeshwar in blackbucks.
The motive behind the murder seems to be their long suppressed anger against Khan, and their allegations that Siddique’s close proximity with Salman and his supposed underworld connections were the prime reasons behind his murder. Chilling enough, a Facebook post from the gang even threatened Salman Khan of having control over the tragedy.
The Demand for an Apology
BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav has sought Salman Khan to apologise publicly to the Bishnoi community following a string of incidents lately. Yadav’s plea, shared on social media platform X, points that the indignation in the Bishnoi community regarding the killing of blackbuck still continues unabated. He said that even after years have passed, the community is hurt by Salman Khan on the killing of blackbucks. He appealed to the actor to apologize and thereby defuse the situation.
Singh’s message emphasized, “You are a big actor, and a large number of people in the country love you. People make mistakes. My good advice to you is to respect the sentiments of the Bishnoi community and apologize for your big mistake”.
Going back to the Blackbuck Case
The blackbuck poaching case, from the shooting schedule of “Hum Saath Saath Hain” in 1998 seems to follow Salman Khan. Salman Khan, alongside his co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, and Sonali Bendre, was accused of using methods banned by law to hunt the endangered blackbucks in Rajasthan. While Salman’s co-stars walked free, Salman was found guilty and was given five years in jail, though he got to serve only for a few months in prison.
The case has much anger in the Bishnoi community since they respect wildlife and the killing of blackbucks is considered sacrilegious. The Rajasthan High Court acquitted Salman in 2016, but the incident acts as an area of controversy between the actor and the Bishnoi community.
Gaining more security for Salman Khan
Still, the killing of Baba Siddique has made Salman Khan more concerned about his life. Earlier this year, a group of Bishnoi gang members attempted to execute an attack on Salman outside his home in Mumbai. In retaliation, several gang members have been arrested. Since the murder of Siddique, Salman Khan’s security has become much intense and he is not seen around people and to guests at his home these days.
Will Salman Khan Apologize?
This advisory from the BJP MP has generated a lot of buzz over whether Salman Khan would utilize this opportunity to tender an official apology to the Bishnoi community. While Salman has been keeping low since the tragedy, the Bishnoi community feels that an apology could ease the ongoing tussle. Notorious gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi, mastermind behind these threats, in earlier interviews had said that the reason for his hatred against Salman is due to the blackbuck case.
Yet, whether the actor will be able to discuss this issue in the public field is not yet clear. Since the Bishnoi gang has been putting forth serious threats and various litigations are being held, what Salman Khan will do now may become a huge ripple in his public and security scenario.
Conclusion: An Old Conflict Resurrected
Once again, the tragic death of Baba Siddique has brought public attention to the blackbuck case and the animosity that continues to simmer between Salman Khan and the Bishnoi community. While the BJP MP puts pressure on the actor to apologize, it remains to be seen how he will respond to the advice by the BJP MP and if this will be the final chapter to a conflict spanning over two decades.
For Latest News Updates Click Here