A recent attempt on Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s life has shocked both the film industry and the public. On April 14, 2024, early in the morning, two men on a motorcycle fired shots outside Salman Khan’s home, Galaxy Apartments, in the upscale Bandra area of Mumbai. Khan was inside at the time and was unharmed, but the incident has raised serious questions about the safety of public figures in India. Despite being a ‘Y’ category protectee, meaning he is entitled to significant security, there was a notable absence of protection during the attack.
Details of the Attack
The shooting happened around 5:00 a.m. when two men, identified as Vicky Gupta, 24, and Sagar Pal, 35, approached Galaxy Apartments on a motorcycle. Vicky Gupta was driving while Sagar Pal fired the shots. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the attackers quickly fled the scene. The incident caused panic among residents and prompted immediate action from the Mumbai police.
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Investigation and Arrests
Following the attack, the Mumbai crime branch launched a thorough investigation. They quickly identified and arrested several suspects linked to the incident. It was soon revealed that the attack was not random but a well-planned assassination attempt orchestrated by the notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.
Lawrence Bishnoi’s Involvement
Lawrence Bishnoi, a name synonymous with organized crime in India, has a long-standing grudge against Salman Khan. This enmity dates back to the blackbuck poaching case, in which Khan was convicted in 2018. Bishnoi, from a community that reveres the blackbuck, had openly threatened to kill Khan in retaliation.
According to the chargesheet filed by the Mumbai crime branch, Bishnoi’s gang meticulously planned the attack. The investigation revealed that Bishnoi had allegedly paid Rs 20 lakh to six individuals to carry out the assassination. This payment showed how serious Bishnoi was about his threats, highlighting the extensive planning involved in the plot.
Key Accused and Warrants
The investigation uncovered several key players in the plot, including Anmol Bishnoi, Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother, and Rohit Godera, another alleged gang member. Both Anmol and Rohit have been on the run since their involvement was discovered. In response, a special court in Mumbai issued non-bailable warrants for their arrest on July 27, 2024. These warrants, issued by special judge B.D. Shelke, emphasizes the seriousness of the charges against them and the ongoing efforts to bring them to justice.
Confessions and Motivations
Vicky Gupta, one of the men on the motorcycle, confessed to his role in the crime. He explained that he was driven by his family’s poor financial situation and saw the job as a way to earn money, believing he wouldn’t be caught. Despite his efforts to evade the police, he was eventually arrested.
Gupta’s confession highlights how desperation and financial hardship can drive individuals to commit serious crimes. It shows how criminal organizations like the Bishnoi gang exploit vulnerable people, using their struggles to manipulate them into dangerous tasks.
Broader Impact
The attempt on Salman Khan’s life has had a profound impact on public discourse, especially regarding the security of celebrities and high-profile individuals in India. The fact that Khan, a major public figure with ‘Y’ category security, could be targeted in such a way has led to widespread concern. Many are questioning the adequacy of security measures for public figures and the effectiveness of law enforcement in preventing such incidents.
The case also draws attention to the growing influence of organized crime in India. Despite being in jail, Lawrence Bishnoi continues to exert significant control over his gang, which operates across various regions. The involvement of multiple individuals in the assassination plot shows the reach and power of these criminal networks and raises concerns about the safety of other public figures who may be targeted.
Continuing Investigation and Future Implications
As the investigation continues, there is strong public demand for justice. Authorities are under pressure to not only bring those directly involved in the attack to justice but also dismantle the larger criminal network behind the plot. The arrests made so far are just the beginning, and law enforcement agencies are expected to intensify efforts to capture the remaining fugitives, including Anmol Bishnoi and Rohit Godera.
The case has also led to calls for improved security measures for celebrities and other high-risk individuals. There is a growing recognition that more needs to be done to protect public figures from threats posed by organized crime, which could lead to changes in security protocols with a greater focus on proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
