The long-standing enmity between actor Salman Khan and gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has taken a new twist, with fresh allegations adding fuel to the fire. Recently, Ramesh Bishnoi, cousin of Lawrence, alleged that Salman once attempted to resolve the matter by offering a blank cheque to the Bishnoi community leaders. The dispute stems from Salman’s alleged involvement in the blackbuck poaching case from 1998, which sparked anger within the Bishnoi community, who regard the blackbuck as sacred.
In a recent interview with NDTV, Ramesh Bishnoi claimed that after the controversy surrounding the blackbuck case intensified, Salman attempted to compensate the community by offering financial settlement. Ramesh recounted how the actor allegedly presented an empty chequebook, inviting the Bishnoi leaders to fill in any amount they wished to close the matter. He emphasized that the Bishnois, however, were motivated by ideology rather than financial compensation. “If we were after money, we would have accepted it,” Ramesh stated, challenging Salim Khan’s suggestion that Lawrence’s actions were profit-driven. He also noted that Lawrence is financially secure, owning 110 acres of land, and does not engage in extortion.
The blackbuck poaching incident took place in Jodhpur in 1998 while Salman Khan was filming Hum Saath Saath Hain. Fellow actors Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam Kothari were also charged in the case. Over the past 25 years, the Bishnoi community has repeatedly called on Salman to apologize, a request he has declined. Salman’s father, Salim Khan, stated in a recent interview that an apology would imply Salman’s admission of guilt, which the family refutes. The case remains active, with Salman currently out on bail following a conviction.
