The Mumbai Crime Branch, investigating the murder of prominent politician Baba Siddique, has confirmed to mid-day that the motive behind Siddique’s killing was his close association with Bollywood star Salman Khan, who has been on the Bishnoi gang’s hit list since the blackbuck poaching case, in which Khan was the accused. According to sources, Siddique’s murder is seen as a message from the Bishnoi gang to anyone close to the actor, particularly those offering him emotional or financial support. An officer confirmed that the recent shooting outside the house of Punjabi singer AP Dhillon in Canada, for which the Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility, was also a warning. Dhillon collaborated with Salman Khan to create a music video free of charge.

Salman Khan leaving Baba Siddique’s residence in Bandra after meeting the family on Sunday. Pic/Anurag Ahire