Threats to actors: Mumbai Police capable enough to hunt down those threatening celebrities, says CM Fadnavis

He was answering to reporters questions at the launch of a unique project called the ‘Melody Road’, with the first 500-metre stretch completed in the initial phase in Mumbai.

Fadnavis was referring to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang whose name has been suspected in multiple recent threats to Bollywood actors.

"Those who have attempted or threatened the actors in the past have been dealt with strongly by the Mumbai Police and it will hunt down those who are threatening the actors lately. We will not allow any gangs to establish themselves in Mumbai," CM Fadnavis said.

He stressed that threats against public figures is to be taken seriously and strict action will follow against those behind the threats.

Fadnavis, who also holds the home portfolio and oversees Mumbai’s policing, emphasised that freedom of speech does not include threatening others. 

Threats to bollywood personalities

In recent weeks, Bollywood celebrities have been threatened with either social media messages or firing incidents. 

Filmmaker Rohit Shetty's security was beefed up following a firing incident at his Juhu home. Several rounds were fired at his home while Shetty was present inside his residence.

The incident cam after Bollywood star Salman Khan was targeted with a similar incident. Shots were fired at the house of the actor in Bandra's Bandstand.

Mumbai Police had arrested shooters connected with the Bishnoi gang later.

Recent reports also suggest that Ranveer Singh received a threatening WhatsApp voice message demanding large sums of money and suggesting harm if the demand was not met. However there was no official confirmation on the matter.

Sources said that the police have increased security outside his residence and began investigations, including tracking the source of the message.

Baba Siddique's murder

Former Maharashtra Minister Baba Siddique who was close to several Bollywood actors including Salman Khan was shot dead outside his son Zeeshan Siddique's office in Bandra east by three assailants on the night of October 12, 2024.

Following the killing of the NCP leader, Bishnoi gang had taken the responsibility of the murder.

Mumbai Police had made several arrests in the case and the Special Court under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) on Tuesday framed charges against 27 accused in the Baba Siddique murder case.

The charges have been brought under provisions of the MCOCA, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bombay Police Act, and Arms Act.