Eknath Shinde speaks to Salman Khan after firing outside home, assures security

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured Bollywood actor Salman Khan of increased security after bike-borne assailants fired shots outside the latter's home in Mumbai.

In Short

• Eknath Shinde calls Salman Khan after shots fired outside latter's home
• Assures Bollywood actor of increased security
• Two bike-borne assailants fired several rounds outside the house before fleeing

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday spoke to Salman Khan over the phone and assured him of increased security after two bike-borne assailants fired several rounds of shots outside the Bollywood actor's residence in Mumbai. The police have already launched a search for the suspect, while heightening security arrangements around the Galaxy Apartments in Bandra.

Shinde held a discussion with the Mumbai Police Commissioner, after which it was suggested to increase Salman Khan's security.

Addressing reporters, the Chief Minister called the incident "unfortunate", adding that the "accused will be caught, and stringent action will be taken against them".

"Those who take the law into their own hands won't be spared. Mumbai Police Commissioner has been informed to assess the security of Salman Khan and his entire family and increase security. I spoke to Salman Khan and told him that the government is with him, and he does not need to worry," Shinde added.

The incident occurred at 4.51 am on Sunday when the two perpetrators fired three rounds and another four rounds outside the Galaxy Apartments before fleeing the spot.

CCTV footage showed the bike-borne men speeding towards Salman Khan's house.

However, the Opposition has blamed the Shinde-led government in Maharashtra for a dangerous law and order situation in the state which led to Sunday's incident.

Addressing reporters, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut asked where the state's Home Minister was, adding that "he is in election mode 24 hours".

"Law and order is in danger in the state. Where is the Home Minister? He is in election mode 24 hours, sometimes in Delhi, in an election campaign meeting, sometimes sitting in a conspiracy to eliminate his opponent. Who will look after law and order by the BJP?"

Raut further said that the "Home Minister is busy in politics but the Mumbai Police is not doing politics, right? They are also doing politics behind his back".

"The firing that happened outside Salman Khan's house is a sign. Bullets can be fired anytime and anywhere in this Mumbai."

On her part, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said "Home Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis and this illegitimate government are directly responsible for the breakdown of law in Maharashtra".

In a post on X, she added, "The shoot out outside Salman Khan’s house is not just shocking but also shows their inability to focus on governance over their politics."

Sunday's incident came more than a year after Salman Khan's office received an e-mail threatening the Bollywood actor in March 2023. The Mumbai Police had registered an FIR against gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar and another person under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 506-II (criminal intimidation) and 34 (common intention) of the IPC.

Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldie Brar have announced several times to kill Salman Khan.

According to sources, they had also sent their shooters to Mumbai to kill the actor.

(With inputs from ANI and PTI)
Published By:
Karishma Saurabh Kalita
Published On:
Apr 14, 2024