In a significant breakthrough, Navi Mumbai Police, in collaboration with Panipat Police, arrested Sukha, a key shooter associated with the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Sukha had been involved in plotting an attack on Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, specifically targeting his Panvel farmhouse. Sukha, who had grown his beard and hair to conceal his identity, was nabbed from a hotel in Panipat, Haryana, during a joint operation. This arrest adds to the five other arrests already made in this high-profile case.
Sukha’s Role in the Attack Plot
Sukha had been on the radar of authorities for his role in conducting surveillance (recce) on Salman Khan’s farmhouse. According to police reports, Sukha, along with other gang members, was a key conspirator in the plan to harm the actor. His task was to gather critical information on Khan’s movements and provide this intel to his gang members. The network of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang is known to operate across several villages, and many youths are reportedly involved in its activities.
Sukha, along with his associates, was also responsible for providing the weapons used during the firing outside Salman Khan’s Bandra home earlier in April. The arrest of Sukha, a key player in this conspiracy, is a crucial step toward dismantling the gang’s broader operations and protecting the actor from future threats.
The Arrest: Sukha’s Attempts to Disguise Himself
When police tracked down Sukha, he had taken measures to change his appearance to avoid being caught. He had grown his beard and hair, staying low-key in a Panipat hotel, where he was eventually arrested. Initially, he gave incorrect details due to intoxication, and his appearance didn’t immediately match the photo police had in their records. However, through identification documents, officers were able to confirm his identity and arrest him.
Lawrence Gang’s Threats Against Salman Khan
This is not the first time that Salman Khan has faced threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. In June, police discovered a plot to target the actor at his Panvel farmhouse. This followed an earlier incident in April when shots were fired outside Khan’s Bandra residence. Salman Khan has openly stated in police records that he believes the Lawrence Bishnoi gang is behind these incidents. The actor and his family have been the target of this gang since 2022, with multiple threats, including a letter sent to Khan’s father and an email warning.
A Network of Surveillance on Salman Khan
Authorities have revealed that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has a network of about 60-70 members keeping a close eye on Salman Khan. The gang members monitored his house in Bandra, his Panvel farmhouse, and even followed him during film shoots. The intent behind this surveillance was to gather enough information to plan a potential attack. Following these discoveries, the Panvel Town Police registered a case in April 2023, leading to the ongoing investigation and arrests.
Previous Arrests and Police Investigation
Sukha’s arrest is the latest in a series of detainments linked to the conspiracy to target Salman Khan. Earlier, five other individuals were apprehended in connection with this case. As the investigation deepens, more members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang are likely to be tracked down, bringing the full scope of the plot into the open.
Growing Threats Against Celebrities
The threats against Salman Khan highlight a growing concern over the security of public figures in India. The influence of criminal gangs like Lawrence Bishnoi’s, with a wide-reaching network and numerous members, poses a serious threat. As police continue their investigations, it becomes clear that Salman Khan was one of many public figures under the watchful eyes of these criminals.
Law enforcement agencies across multiple states are now working together to ensure the safety of Salman Khan and other high-profile individuals, as well as to dismantle the operations of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Authorities remain vigilant, and with Sukha’s arrest, they are one step closer to securing the superstar’s safety.
