Bollywood superstar Salman Khan finds himself once again in the spotlight after BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav publicly urged him to apologize to the Bishnoi community, rekindling the decades-old blackbuck poaching controversy. This plea follows the tragic murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, a close friend of Khan, who was shot dead in Mumbai by suspected members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The Bishnoi community, known for their reverence for the blackbuck, has been at odds with Khan ever since he was accused of hunting the endangered animal during the shooting of Hum Saath-Saath Hain over 20 years ago.
Yadav’s statement, made via a post on X (formerly Twitter), accused Khan of hunting, cooking, and eating the blackbuck, an act he claims severely hurt the religious sentiments of the Bishnoi community. “You are a beloved actor nationwide, but this incident has caused lasting pain. The least you can do is apologize,” Yadav advised, appealing to Khan to respect the community’s emotions.
Khan, who has largely stayed silent on the issue in recent years, now faces mounting pressure as the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, allegedly responsible for Siddique’s murder, has also threatened him in the past. The actor’s security has been beefed up significantly, with extra precautions being taken around his residence at Galaxy Apartments. Since the tragedy, Khan has been avoiding visitors and maintaining a low profile.
The murder of Baba Siddique, who shared a close personal bond with Khan, has escalated tensions surrounding the actor, as the Bishnoi gang continues to be a looming threat. With Yadav’s public appeal, the question now arises: will Salman Khan break his silence and finally offer the apology the Bishnoi community has long awaited? Or will the controversy continue to shadow his career and personal life?