Mumbai Lawyer Arrested Over Alleged Death Threat and Extortion Demand Aimed at Shah Rukh Khan

Mumbai police have arrested Faizan Khan, a lawyer from Raipur, Chhattisgarh, in connection with a death threat and an extortion demand of INR 5 million allegedly made against Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The arrest follows a police investigation that traced a threatening phone call, made to a Mumbai police station, back to Faizan’s mobile number.

The Case Unfolds

The police registered an extortion case against Faizan under sections 308(4) and 351(3)(4) of India’s criminal code, which address extortion and criminal intimidation involving threats of death or serious injury. Upon being approached by the authorities, Faizan maintained his innocence, claiming that he had lost his phone on November 2 and had already reported the loss to the police. He suggested that someone may have used his phone to frame him. In a letter to the Mumbai Police Commissioner, Faizan expressed his concerns, adding that he had received several threats, further complicating his situation.

Also Read: Shahrukh Khan Receives Death Threat, Mumbai Police Launch Investigation

Background: A History of Legal Complaints Against Shah Rukh Khan

This isn’t Faizan’s first confrontation with Shah Rukh Khan. He had earlier filed a complaint against the actor, accusing him of spreading religious enmity. Faizan’s grievance centers around a scene in Shah Rukh’s 1993 film Anjaam, where a deer is killed and consumed. For Rajasthan’s Bishnoi community, a group dedicated to protecting wildlife, especially deer, such a scene is highly offensive due to the religious significance they attach to deer.

As a Rajasthan native, Faizan has been vocal about his support for the Bishnoi community, and he cited their beliefs in his complaint. “The Bishnoi community is my friend, and they consider deer sacred. If someone makes light of that, it’s offensive. That’s why I raised an objection,” Faizan told India Today.

Safety Concerns and Virtual Testimony Request

Given the number of threats he claims to have received, Faizan requested that the police allow him to provide his statement virtually for security reasons. He had initially planned to visit the Bandra police station on November 14 to record his statement but later asked for this concession to ensure his safety.

Public Criticism and Broader Tensions

Faizan’s criticism of Shah Rukh Khan has extended beyond the courtroom; he also released a YouTube video alleging that Shah Rukh has connections to terror activities. He believes that his outspoken criticism may have played a role in his current predicament, with people targeting him due to his public stance against the actor.

Bollywood and Wildlife Protection: A History of Clashes

This case also touches on a broader history of conflict between Bollywood and the Bishnoi community over wildlife protection. Earlier this year, two men from a criminal gang with ties to the Bishnoi community were arrested for firing at the home of actor Salman Khan, who has been under the group’s scrutiny since a 1998 hunting incident involving blackbucks. The gang’s jailed leader, Lawrence Bishnoi, has threatened Salman, vowing retaliation for what they see as the desecration of their revered animal. Lawrence is also accused of orchestrating the 2022 murder of popular Indian rapper Sidhu Moose Wala.

This incident underscores the volatile intersection of Bollywood, wildlife protection laws, and religious sentiments in India. The ongoing legal and social tensions highlight the complexities celebrities face in navigating public opinion and cultural values in India’s diverse society.