In a surprising development, farmer leader Rakesh Tikait has called for Bollywood star Salman Khan to publicly apologize to notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, currently serving time in prison. Tikait’s statement, reported by Hindustan Times, carries a stark warning: if Khan fails to apologize, potential repercussions could follow.
Tikait, known for his outspoken views, stated that the situation demands a resolution. He urged Khan to seek forgiveness, suggesting he visit a temple and offer an apology. Tikait’s call for an apology comes amidst a tense atmosphere following the recent murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, allegedly by assailants linked to Bishnoi’s gang. He expressed concern about potential consequences, highlighting the ongoing conflict between Khan and the Bishnoi community, which stems from the infamous 1998 Blackbuck killing case.
The Blackbuck case has been a source of friction between Khan and the Bishnoi community, with the actor facing serious accusations. The incident, which occurred during the filming of the 1999 movie ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain,’ involves allegations that Khan illegally hunted a blackbuck in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The Bishnoi community, known for its strong devotion to animal conservation, views the blackbuck as a sacred animal.
Lawrence Bishnoi, in a 2023 interview with a TV channel, publicly stated that Khan had disrespected the Bishnoi community by killing a blackbuck, sparking further tensions. This sentiment was echoed in 2018 when Bishnoi, during a court appearance, issued a direct threat against Khan, stating, “We will kill Salman Khan in Jodhpur. Everyone will know once we take action.” These threats, along with similar pronouncements directed at other figures like singer Gippy Grewal, highlight a pattern of intimidation employed by the Bishnoi gang.
Following these threats, Navi Mumbai Police registered a case in April 2023 against members of the Bishnoi gang, including Bishnoi himself, for allegedly plotting to kill Khan at his farmhouse near Mumbai.
Tikait’s call for Khan to apologize is an unexpected twist in this ongoing saga. His statement underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential consequences if the conflict between Khan and the Bishnoi gang remains unresolved. The question now is whether Khan will heed Tikait’s advice and seek to appease the Bishnoi community, or if the situation will further escalate.
