Bollywood actor Salman Khan has once again been targeted with a death threat, this time via a WhatsApp message sent to the official number of the Mumbai Traffic Department in Worli, prompting heightened security measures and a formal police investigation.
According to police officials, the anonymous message warned of a plan to kill the actor by entering his residence and detonating a bomb in his car. The threatening message was received on Saturday evening, following which a First Information Report (FIR) was registered at the Worli Police Station under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
“The message included explicit threats to Mr. Khan’s life and indicated plans to blow up his car with an explosive device. We are treating the matter with utmost seriousness,” a senior police official said. “Efforts are underway to trace the sender using digital forensics.”
Previous death threats
This is not the first time Salman Khan has been the target of criminal threats. Over the years, Khan has faced numerous death threats, primarily linked to his involvement in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. Members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, who are reportedly seeking revenge over the incident, have frequently been implicated in the threats against him.
In March 2023, a threatening email was sent to Khan's team, warning him to "watch his back." In June 2022, two armed individuals were caught conducting surveillance outside his Bandra residence, reportedly preparing for an attack. Following these incidents, the actor’s security was upgraded to the Y+ category, granting him round-the-clock protection from armed guards.
The threats have raised concerns over Khan's safety, especially considering the ongoing tensions surrounding the blackbuck poaching case, in which Khan was convicted in 2018. The Bishnoi community, which regards the blackbuck as sacred, continues to harbor animosity towards him over the incident, fueling the threats.
Salman Khan’s legacy in Bollywood
Despite the threats, Salman Khan remains one of the most successful and influential actors in the Indian film industry. Known for his larger-than-life persona, Khan’s films consistently perform well at the box office, and he has garnered a massive fan following.
His iconic films include Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!(1994), Wanted (2009), Dabangg (2010), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), and Sultan (2016). Khan's contribution to Bollywood is also marked by his philanthropic work through the 'Being Human' foundation, which focuses on health care and education for underprivileged individuals.
Known for his action-hero roles, Khan has become a staple of Bollywood blockbusters, maintaining an enduring presence in the industry despite legal challenges and controversies.
Ongoing investigation
Neither Salman Khan nor his representatives have issued a public statement regarding the latest threat. However, sources close to the actor confirmed that he is in constant contact with law enforcement authorities and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
Mumbai Police have assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the actor and his family. Investigators are now focused on tracing the origin of the threatening message through digital means and hope to provide further updates soon.
