'Whoever helps Salman Khan...': Lawrence Bishnoi gang issues 'be prepared' threat after Baba Siddique murder

PTC News Desk: The Lawrence Bishnoi gang on Sunday claimed responsibility for the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique while also issuing a threat to anyone who helps actor Salman Khan.

Soon after Siddique was shot dead near the office of his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique, on Saturday night, speculations surfaced about a Bishnoi gang connection to the murder. This was confirmed on Sunday by a Facebook post by Shibu Lonkar, believed to be Bishnoi gang associate Shubham Rameshwar Lonkar, who claimed responsibility.

Lonkar stated in the post that Siddique was killed because he was related to India's most wanted terrorist Dawood Ibrahim, who was close to Salman Khan, and because of the custodial death of Anuj Thapan. 

Anuj Thapan was one of the arrested accused in the case related to the shooting outside Khan's home. Thapan was found dead on May 1 inside the Mumbai Crime Branch lockup. The police reported he died by suicide, but his relatives claimed he was tortured in custody.

In the message, the Bishnoi gang member wrote: "Om, Jai Shri Ram, Jai Bharat. I understand the essence of life and see wealth and the body as dust. I just did what was right, honouring the responsibility of friendship."

"Salman Khan, we did not want this war, yet you made our brother lose his life. Baba Siddique's pool of decency is now closed. He was formerly under MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) with Dawood. He was killed because of his connections to Dawood and Anuj Thapan, in Bollywood, politics, and property dealings," he explained.

"We have no personal enmity with anyone. However, anyone who assists Salman Khan or the Dawood gang should be cautious. If anyone harms any of our brothers, we will respond. We never strike first. Salute to the martyrs.  Jai Shri Ram, Jai Bharat, salute to the martyrs."