Bollywood Actor Aayush Sharma Targeted by Lawrence Bishnoi Gang in Extortion Plot
In a concerning development, yet another Bollywood personality has fallen victim to extortion demands from the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Police sources confirmed on Wednesday that actor Aayush Sharma, the brother-in-law of superstar Salman Khan, has received a threat via Proton Mail demanding a large sum of money. This incident comes just a day after it was revealed that actor Ranveer Singh also faced a similar extortion threat from the same gang.
Escalating Threats Against Bollywood Celebrities
The extortion demand targeting Aayush Sharma highlights a disturbing trend, with over a dozen Bollywood celebrities reportedly receiving such threats in the last two weeks alone. Late on Wednesday, unconfirmed reports emerged that the secretary of an action hero had also received threatening calls, further intensifying concerns within the film industry.
In response to this wave of intimidation, the crime branch invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act against five members of the gang's Shubham Lonkar faction. This legal move underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the organized crime activities threatening public figures.
Details on Aayush Sharma and Police Response
Aayush Sharma, who is married to Salman Khan's adopted sister Arpita, made his Bollywood debut with the film 'Loveyatri' and later starred alongside Salman in 'Antim: The Final Truth'. Police have advised him to remain vigilant and seek protection if he feels unsafe, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures.
The cyber cell has initiated efforts to trace the sender of the extortion email, according to police officers who spoke on condition of anonymity. This investigation aims to uncover the digital footprints left by the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Previous Incidents and Security Measures
This is not the first time the Bishnoi gang has targeted Bollywood. Last year, shots were fired at Salman Khan's flat, and more recently, five rounds were fired outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's residence, with the shooter still at large. The gang's persistent threats have put the entire industry on edge.
In the case of Ranveer Singh, additional police protection was provided following his extortion threat. The Dadar police visited the Beau Monde residential tower in Prabhadevi, where Singh resides with his wife Deepika Padukone, to review security arrangements. It was confirmed that Singh has been assigned two armed personnel from the police protection department on orders from senior officials.
A senior officer, when asked about the threat to Singh, stated, "We are in the process of verifying the details and will soon register an FIR. The investigation is underway. It would not be proper to comment on such a highly sensitive case." This cautious approach reflects the delicate nature of the ongoing investigations.
Broader Implications for Bollywood and Law Enforcement
The series of extortion threats has raised alarms about the safety of Bollywood celebrities and the effectiveness of law enforcement in combating organized crime. With multiple high-profile cases emerging in quick succession, there is growing pressure on authorities to take decisive action to dismantle the gang's operations and ensure the security of public figures.
As the city crime branch continues its search for the unidentified shooter in the Rohit Shetty case, the broader investigation into the Bishnoi gang's activities remains a top priority. The invocation of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act signals a tougher stance against such criminal enterprises, aiming to curb their influence and protect vulnerable individuals in the entertainment industry.
