On the 12th of October, eminent political figure and Maharashtra’s former minister Baba Siddique was shot dead by three armed assailants. And the information which has surfaced suggested that the assassination is connected to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, highlighting a troubling trend of high-profile crimes associated with this group.
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch arrested individuals linked to Baba Siddique’s case, which adds to the gang's notorious history, including the May 2022 murder of Punjabi musician Sidhu Moosewala and the April 2024 shooting outside residence of actor Salman Khan, who is also on the hit list of Lawrence Gang.
But why is Lawrence Bishnoi after Salman Khan? Why does he want Salman Khan dead?
Currently, Lawrence Bishnoi is in Sabarmati Central Jail and is suspected of directing criminal gang activities from within, including rigorous effort to target Salman Khan. Salman’s involvement in the 1998 blackbuck hunting case is what actually triggered the enmity.
The allegations arose against Khan for hunting and killing two blackbucks during the filming of “Hum Saath Saath Hain.” Since then, Salman Khan has faced relentless threats from the Bishnoi community and its associates.
The Bishnoi community that regards the blackbuck as sacred, views Salman’s actions as a deep offense. Former MP Jaswant Singh Bishnoi noted this cultural significance: "Deer is our identity, and it is necessary for them to survive.”
Lawrence Bishnoi has made several startling statements regarding Khan in this matter. In 2018, Bishnoi made an appearance in a court where he threatened Salman, and said “We will kill Salman Khan. Everyone will know once we take action.”
In July 2022, Bishnoi reportedly sent gangster Sampat Nehra to conduct a recce around Khan's residence, although the plan was unsuccessful.
In 2023, Salman Khan's manager received a threatening email with an interview embedded in which Bishnoi reiterated his intentions toward Khan. Bishnoi demanded Khan to visit their temple and publicly apologize for the poaching incident.
In April 2024, two men on a bike opened fire outside Salman Khan’s residence in Mumbai. Upon investigation, the police claimed that the shooters were hired by Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang, which had allegedly conspired to kill the actor.
Regarding the current updates on Baba Siddiqui murder case,
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch arrested Pravin Lonkar from Pune in connection with the murder of Baba Siddique. Pravin is the brother of Shubuu Lonkar, who claimed responsibility for the murder on social media and is currently absconding. A Facebook post by Shubuu Lonkar, which quickly went viral, said the gang targeted Siddique because of his close ties to Bollywood actor Salman Khan and alleged links with underworld figures like Dawood Ibrahim.
He even said that, there’s no personal enmity with anyone. However, anyone who helps Salman Khan or the Dawood gang should be prepared.