A Bandra resident faces serious charges after allegedly threatening the Bollywood star and demanding Rs 2 crore

In a disturbing development for the Bollywood industry, Mumbai Police have arrested a man for threatening to kill actor Salman Khan if he does not comply with a ransom demand of Rs 2 crore. The arrest took place on Wednesday, following a message received by the Mumbai Traffic Police from an unidentified sender, which detailed the threats made against Khan.

The accused has been identified as Azam Mohammed Mustafa, a 28-year-old resident of Bandra East. Authorities acted swiftly upon receiving the threat, reflecting the seriousness with which they treat such allegations, especially given the history of threats against the popular actor.

This incident marks the latest in a series of threats directed at Salman Khan. Just the previous day, another individual, 20-year-old Mohammad Tayyab, was apprehended in Noida for issuing threats against both Khan and local politician Zeeshan Siddique, who has also been in the news following the tragic shooting of his father, former Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique, earlier this month.

The spate of threats against Khan raises concerns within the entertainment community. In 2022, a letter threatening the star was discovered on a bench near his residence at the Galaxy Apartments in Bandra West. More recently, in March 2023, Khan received an email purportedly from gangster Goldy Brar, further heightening fears for his safety. Earlier this year, two individuals attempted to trespass into his farmhouse in Panvel, using forged identities. Adding to the alarm, members of the Bishnoi gang allegedly opened fire outside Khan’s Bandra home in April.

Authorities have intensified their security measures in light of these threats. Following the recent arrest of Mustafa, police are investigating whether he acted alone or if others were involved in orchestrating the threats against Khan. The alarming frequency of such incidents has raised questions about celebrity security in India, prompting discussions about the need for enhanced protection for public figures.

As the investigation unfolds, Khan remains a central figure in the Indian film industry, known not only for his extensive body of work but also for his philanthropic efforts. His popularity continues to draw attention, both positive and negative, making him a target for those seeking notoriety or financial gain.

The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. As they work to ensure the safety of Salman Khan and other high-profile individuals, they emphasise that threats of this nature will not be taken lightly and will be met with decisive action.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressures faced by celebrities in India and the ongoing challenges in ensuring their safety amidst a climate where threats can emerge without warning. With the film industry under scrutiny, the focus now shifts to how authorities will respond to safeguard its stars and what measures will be implemented to prevent future threats.