The ongoing dispute between Bollywood icon Salman Khan and the Bishnoi community intensified as members of the community gathered in Jodhpur on Saturday to burn effigies of both Salman and his father, Salim Khan. This act was in response to Salim Khan’s recent claim that his son had no involvement in the long-standing blackbuck poaching case.
Images and videos from the protest, which took place Saturday morning during Bishnoi Dharma Sthapana Diwas, have surfaced online, showing the community demanding an apology from Salman.
Bishnoi community members, in a statement, said, "We are Bishnois, we do not defame anyone just like that. When the case was registered 26 years ago, many dignitaries including the then MLA of the Bishnoi community were present. Salim Khan cannot mislead people by giving false statements. The entire community was hurt by Salim Khan's statement. We will make all-out efforts to ensure justice was delivered in the Blackbuck case. We will also protest by taking to the streets.”
The case, registered 26 years ago, included the presence of respected figures, such as the then-MLA from our community. Salim Khan’s misleading remarks deeply hurt our community, and we are determined to pursue justice in the blackbuck case, even through public protests if necessary." Protestors also questioned Salman’s claims of innocence, noting that he has hired high-profile lawyers from across India.
The protesters additionally highlighted that Lawrence Bishnoi, known for following the 29 principles of the Bishnoi tradition, is part of their community. They warned that if Salman fails to issue an apology, the Sanatan Hindu Samaj would initiate a broader campaign against him.
For context, Salim Khan recently defended Salman in an interview, claiming that the blackbuck accusations are baseless and alleging that the Bishnoi community is targeting Salman for fame and financial gain. Salim further stated that Salman is a compassionate person who would not harm an animal. Heightened security measures around Salman follow the October 12 murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai, for which Anmol Bishnoi, brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, took responsibility, citing Siddique’s association with Salman as the motive.
Images and videos from the protest, which took place Saturday morning during Bishnoi Dharma Sthapana Diwas, have surfaced online, showing the community demanding an apology from Salman.
Bishnoi community members, in a statement, said, "We are Bishnois, we do not defame anyone just like that. When the case was registered 26 years ago, many dignitaries including the then MLA of the Bishnoi community were present. Salim Khan cannot mislead people by giving false statements. The entire community was hurt by Salim Khan's statement. We will make all-out efforts to ensure justice was delivered in the Blackbuck case. We will also protest by taking to the streets.”
The case, registered 26 years ago, included the presence of respected figures, such as the then-MLA from our community. Salim Khan’s misleading remarks deeply hurt our community, and we are determined to pursue justice in the blackbuck case, even through public protests if necessary." Protestors also questioned Salman’s claims of innocence, noting that he has hired high-profile lawyers from across India.
The protesters additionally highlighted that Lawrence Bishnoi, known for following the 29 principles of the Bishnoi tradition, is part of their community. They warned that if Salman fails to issue an apology, the Sanatan Hindu Samaj would initiate a broader campaign against him.
For context, Salim Khan recently defended Salman in an interview, claiming that the blackbuck accusations are baseless and alleging that the Bishnoi community is targeting Salman for fame and financial gain. Salim further stated that Salman is a compassionate person who would not harm an animal. Heightened security measures around Salman follow the October 12 murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai, for which Anmol Bishnoi, brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, took responsibility, citing Siddique’s association with Salman as the motive.
