The ongoing enmity between Bollywood actor Salman Khan and gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has taken a new turn with fresh allegations by Ramesh Bishnoi, Lawrence’s cousin. In an interview with NDTV, Ramesh claimed that Salman attempted to make amends with the Bishnoi community following the blackbuck poaching incident in 1998 by offering them a ‘blank cheque.’ This allegation adds a new dimension to the decades-old controversy that has fueled tension between the actor and the Bishnoi community, who regard the blackbuck as sacred.
“Khoon Khaul Raha Tha”
Ramesh Bishnoi revealed that after the blackbuck incident, which took place while Salman was filming Hum Saath Saath Hain in Jodhpur, the actor allegedly approached Bishnoi community leaders with an empty chequebook. Salman reportedly asked the leaders to write any amount they desired to resolve the issue, as the case continued to escalate in the public eye. Ramesh claimed, “If we were after money, we would have accepted it,” emphasizing that the Bishnoi community was driven by principle, not financial gain.
Refuting recent claims from Salman’s father, Salim Khan, that Lawrence’s actions toward Salman are motivated by monetary gain, Ramesh clarified that Lawrence owns substantial property in India and is financially secure. According to Ramesh, the conflict is ideological. “Hamara khoon khol raha tha uss waqt (Our blood was boiling at that time),” he said, underscoring the community’s longstanding anger over the blackbuck killing.
Background of the Blackbuck Poaching Case
The blackbuck poaching incident has haunted Salman Khan for over 25 years. In 1998, during the filming of Hum Saath Saath Hain, Salman was accused of killing two blackbucks, an action condemned by the Bishnoi community due to their reverence for the species. Other Bollywood stars, including Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam Kothari, were also implicated in the case. Despite his conviction, Salman remains out on bail and has maintained his innocence, denying the allegations throughout the legal proceedings.
Salim Khan’s Stance on Apologies
The demand for an apology from Salman has resurfaced multiple times, with the Bishnoi community calling for an official statement of remorse from the actor. Salim Khan, however, recently clarified in an interview with ABP News that there would be no apology as it would imply that Salman is admitting guilt, which the actor disputes.
Heightened Tensions Amid Threats
Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently incarcerated, has repeatedly threatened Salman in connection with the poaching incident. The gangster has made several statements suggesting that the actor will be held accountable for his actions against the blackbuck, signaling ongoing hostility.
This latest claim by Ramesh Bishnoi about the ‘blank cheque’ offer paints a complex picture of Salman Khan’s attempts to mitigate the controversy. With no signs of resolution, the feud between Salman Khan and the Bishnoi community continues to capture public attention, with each new detail adding to the legacy of a case that has already spanned a quarter of a century.
Sources By Agencies
