The recent attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan has sent shockwaves across the nation, intensifying criticism of the Mumbai Police and the Home Ministry regarding their handling of rising high-profile attacks in Mumbai over the past year.
Notable figures, including prominent Bollywood stars, politicians, and wealthy businessmen, have been targeted, creating an atmosphere of fear. Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Politician Late Baba Siddique are amongst the high-profile victims, with alarming incidents such as death threats and murder.
The increasing frequency of these incidents has led to public outrage, particularly aimed at the Mumbai Police’s inability to protect its highest-profile citizens. Criminal elements, including the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, have been linked to several attacks.
Following the life-threatening incident involving Saif Ali Khan, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) criticized the ruling BJP government, claiming the attack was a deliberate attempt to destabilize Mumbai’s security.
Recent High-Profile Crime Cases
Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Attacks Salman Khan
Earlier this year, on April 14, Salman Khan experienced a terrifying incident when assailants fired gunshots outside his residence, allegedly hired by the same Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which had previously plotted against him. A police investigation followed, involving extensive questioning of Khan and his brother. Reports emerged in November of a formal threat directed at him, leading to the arrest of a suspect, Bikaram Jalaram Bishnoi, who claimed ties to the gang.
The ongoing feud between Khan and Lawrence Bishnoi, stemming from a 1998 incident involving hunting accusations, continues to cast a dark shadow over his safety, highlighting a troubling pattern of violence against prominent individuals in Mumbai.
Salman Khan’s residence has undergone significant security enhancements, including the installation of bulletproof windows and a sophisticated security system featuring high-resolution CCTV cameras. The bulletproof glass specifically fortifies the balcony where Salman often interacts with fans. He resides in a 1 BHK flat on the ground floor of Galaxy Apartments, with his parents living above him.
Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Threatens Shah Rukh Khan
In a separate incident, Mumbai Police received an anonymous threat against actor Shah Rukh Khan on November 7, demanding ₹50 lakh for his safety. This threat emerged after the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique. Following the threat, Shah Rukh Khan’s team filed a complaint with Bandra Police, prompting an immediate investigation. The police traced the threatening call to Faizan Khan in Raipur, who claimed his phone was stolen and that he was being framed. Faizan had previously lodged a complaint against Shah Rukh Khan concerning a dialogue from the film Anjaam.
Investigations revealed that Faizan had meticulously researched Shah Rukh Khan’s family security and movements, which was uncovered through forensic analysis of his recovered second mobile phone.
Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Murders Politician Baba Siddique
In another related event, Baba Siddique was assassinated on October 2024 in a premeditated assault carried out by three attackers outside his son’s office in Mumbai. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. Reports indicated that the attackers had surveilled the area for weeks prior to the murder.
These incidents have raised safety concerns amongst the residents of Bandra and Mumbai causing distrust in the law and order. Netizens are reacting to the third consecutive high-profile attack happening in Bandra.
