New Wave of Threats Rattles Bollywood: Shootings and Extortion on the Rise
India's Bollywood film industry is currently facing a new wave of shootings and extortion threats, with perpetrators differing from the Mumbai underworld that dominated the scene in the 1990s.
The Indian film industry, Bollywood, is currently grappling with a surge in shootings and extortion threats. This new wave of criminal activity is distinct from the Mumbai underworld that held the industry in its grip during the 1990s, with experts noting a shift in the origins and methods of the current threats.
Highlights
- Bollywood stars and producers are being targeted, including an attack on actor Tiger Shroff and a shooting at Salman Khan's apartment.
- The attacks are allegedly linked to the gang of Lawrence Bishnoi, a gangster said to be directing operations from prison.
- Bishnoi's gang reportedly targets individuals associated with Salman Khan, stemming from a blackbuck hunting incident in 1998.
- A cafe owned by comedian Kapil Sharma in Canada was also hit three times, indicating the international reach of these attacks.
- The industry is experiencing a revival of old fears from the 1990s, though experts emphasize the current threat is different.
Details
Recent incidents in Bollywood include a shooting that injured actor Tiger Shroff's driver and an attack on filmmaker Rohit Shetty's home. Additionally, actor Ranveer Singh reportedly received an extortion demand of nearly $1.1 million. Those claiming responsibility for these attacks are allegedly connected to Lawrence Bishnoi, a former student politician turned gangster who has been imprisoned since 2014. Police have not yet confirmed the gang's direct involvement.
In the 1990s, the Mumbai underworld was deeply involved in the film industry, using investments in movies for money laundering and control. This era saw the murder of music mogul Gulshan Kumar and the wounding of filmmaker Rakesh Roshan. However, the current threat is believed to originate from the Bishnoi gang, primarily based in northern India, rather than the local Mumbai gangs of the past. Bishnoi is reportedly directing operations from prison using concealed phones and messaging apps.
Why it matters
These attacks have the potential to plunge Bollywood back into the shadow of organized crime. Unlike the 1990s, the current perpetrators' motives appear to be more focused on extortion and generating publicity. Experts describe Bollywood as a "money-loaded" and "soft underbelly" target. Suresh Shyamlal Gupta, President of the All Indian Cine Workers Association, has urged authorities to prevent the industry from returning to the fearful days of the 1990s. This situation raises serious concerns for the future and security of the Indian film industry.