In a chilling turn of events, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for the murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, while simultaneously sending a threatening message to Bollywood megastar Salman Khan. The gang’s alleged connection to Siddique’s murder was linked to the death of Anuj Thapan, a key figure who died by suicide in custody after opening fire outside Salman Khan’s residence in April 2024.
A Facebook post by Bishnoi’s alleged aide, Shubu Lonkar (also known as Shubham Lonkar), surfaced on social media, claiming that Siddique’s murder was an act of revenge and warning Salman Khan of more violence to come. The post stated:
Bhaijaan #SalmanKhan at #BabaSiddique‘s house. His eyes are showing a grief of losing a friend. pic.twitter.com/fBsAXs9OVa
— MASS (@Freak4Salman) October 13, 2024
“Salman Khan, we did not want this war but you made our brother lose his life. Today the pool of decency of Baba Siddique is closed. The reason for his death was his links to Dawood and Anuj Thapan in Bollywood, politics, and property dealings.”
The post also sent a broader warning, stating, “We have no personal enmity with anyone. However, anyone who helps Salman Khan or the Dawood gang should be prepared. If anyone gets any of our brothers killed, we will respond. We never strike first.”
The police are yet to authenticate this Facebook post, but they have intensified their search for Shubham Lonkar, while his brother Pravin Lonkar has already been arrested as a co-conspirator in Siddique’s murder.
Baba Siddique, a long-time friend and ally of Salman Khan, was shot dead outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Mumbai’s Bandra area by three assailants. The assailants opened fire just as Siddique was getting into his car, firing six to seven rounds. Despite being rushed to Lilavati Hospital, Siddique was declared dead on arrival.
The Mumbai police have also arrested key suspects, including Dharmaraj Rajesh Kashyap and Gurmail Baljit Singh, both believed to be connected to the Bishnoi gang. Another alleged shooter, Shivkumar Gautam, remains on the run.
Salman Khan, who shared a close bond with Siddique, was among the first celebrities to visit the family at the hospital and later paid his respects at Siddique’s home. This attack further deepens the long-standing feud between Salman Khan and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has now claimed not only Salman but also people close to him.
The Bishnoi gang’s grudge against Salman Khan is reportedly tied to the actor’s involvement in the blackbuck poaching case, with Bishnoi viewing Salman’s actions as an affront to his community’s religious beliefs. Over the years, this vendetta has intensified, with threats and attempts on Salman’s life, including the April 2024 attack on his residence. The gang’s latest actions mark a dangerous escalation in this conflict, placing Salman and his associates in further peril.