The long-standing conflict between Bollywood star Salman Khan and the Bishnoi community has intensified, as members of the community gathered in Jodhpur on Saturday, burning effigies of Salman Khan and his father, Salim Khan. The Bishnoi community’s protest was a response to recent comments made by Salim Khan, defending his son against accusations in the decades-old blackbuck poaching case.
Bishnoi Community Rallies on Dharma Sthapana Diwas
The protest occurred on Bishnoi Dharma Sthapana Diwas, a significant day for the Bishnoi community, as members gathered to voice their anger over Salim Khan’s recent statements. In his remarks, Salim Khan claimed Salman was not involved in the poaching case and that the Bishnoi community was unfairly targeting him. Visuals from the scene show members of the Bishnoi community in Jodhpur publicly burning effigies of both Salman and Salim Khan while demanding an apology from the actor for what they see as a lack of accountability.
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Community leaders argued that Salim Khan’s statement misrepresented the facts of the blackbuck case, which was filed nearly 26 years ago. “We are Bishnois; we do not defame anyone unjustly. Salim Khan’s claims are misleading and disrespectful to our community. We demand justice in this case, and our resolve remains firm,” said one protestor.
Demands for Justice and Rising Tensions
Bishnoi community members have also raised questions about Salman’s legal defense, suggesting that his hiring of top legal representation nationwide contradicts his father’s claims of innocence. Some in the community further asserted that if Salman does not apologize, the Sanatan Hindu Samaj may mobilize to start a campaign against the actor. The community cited gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, known to follow Bishnoi principles, as an example of someone committed to enforcing their traditions.
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Increased Security Following Recent Threats
The protests come amid heightened security measures around Salman Khan, following the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique on October 12 in Mumbai. The attack, reportedly due to Siddique’s closeness to Salman, was claimed by Anmol Bishnoi, brother of Lawrence Bishnoi, currently imprisoned. In light of the recent events, officials have reinforced security around the actor.
The Bishnoi community has vowed to continue their efforts to hold Salman accountable for the blackbuck poaching case unless they receive a public apology.