In 1998, Bollywood star Salman Khan found himself at the center of a serious controversy when he was accused of hunting endangered blackbucks during the filming of “Hum Saath-Saath Hain.” While the court has since acquitted Salman, the issue is far from over. Lawrence Bishnoi, a gangster from the Bishnoi community, has repeatedly issued death threats against the actor, most recently from inside prison. The blackbuck holds deep religious significance for the Bishnoi community, and this case continues to be a major point of conflict.
Blackbuck: Sacred to the Bishnoi Community
The Bishnoi community has long been known for its strong commitment to wildlife conservation, particularly the protection of blackbucks, which they consider sacred. Blackbucks, with their elegant appearance and spiraled horns, hold not just ecological but deep spiritual value for the Bishnois. The community believes in living in harmony with nature, and protecting animals like the blackbuck is part of their religious duties.
When Salman Khan was accused of killing two blackbucks, it was seen as a direct attack on the beliefs and culture of the Bishnois. Though the legal battle cleared him of charges, the community’s emotional and religious connection to the blackbuck remains, keeping the controversy alive.
Lawrence Bishnoi’s Threat: A Personal Vendetta
Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious gangster, has become a key figure in the ongoing tension between Salman Khan and the Bishnoi community. Bishnoi has publicly threatened to kill the actor as a form of revenge for the blackbuck hunting incident. This isn’t the first time the threat has been taken seriously; earlier, shots were fired outside Salman’s residence, and one of his close associates, Baba Siddiqui, was murdered by members of the Bishnoi gang.
For Bishnoi, this vendetta is deeply personal. He sees himself as an enforcer of justice for his community, ensuring that no one gets away with violating their religious sanctity, even if they are a celebrity. The Mumbai Police and Salman’s security team have beefed up protection around the actor, but the threat still looms large.
Blackbucks in the Illegal Market: High Demand Despite Ban
Though hunting blackbucks is illegal in India under the Wildlife Protection Act, the animal remains highly sought after in the black market. The poaching and illegal trade of blackbucks persist due to the high prices their body parts fetch.
The head and horns of the blackbuck are particularly prized, often used as decorative items in the homes of the wealthy. The demand for these items as status symbols makes blackbucks a prime target for poachers. According to reports, the head and horns of a blackbuck can fetch ₹10 to 15 lakh in the black market. Blackbuck meat is also highly valued, often served in exclusive restaurants, making it a delicacy worth thousands per kilogram.
Apart from their aesthetic appeal, parts of the blackbuck are also believed to have medicinal properties. Their horns, nails, and other parts are sometimes used in traditional medicine. Despite strict laws, the lure of high profits continues to drive illegal poaching, posing a challenge to wildlife conservation efforts.
The High Price of Blackbucks in the Black Market
The illegal trade of blackbucks is not only damaging to wildlife but also fuels ongoing tensions between communities like the Bishnois and individuals involved in poaching. Reports suggest that a single blackbuck can fetch anywhere between ₹15 to 20 lakh in the black market. The forest department has long struggled to curb this illegal activity, as poachers often find ways to exploit loopholes in the system.
The high demand for blackbuck parts makes their protection a significant challenge, further escalating the religious and cultural importance placed on their preservation by communities like the Bishnois.
Why Salman Khan’s Life Is Still in Danger
Despite being acquitted in court, Salman Khan’s involvement in the blackbuck hunting case has left an indelible mark on his public image, especially within the Bishnoi community. For them, the actor’s actions go beyond legal boundaries—they represent a direct affront to their faith.
Lawrence Bishnoi’s threats are rooted in this sentiment. The gangster has vowed to take revenge for the “insult” done to his community’s sacred animal, keeping the actor in constant danger. Salman has had to increase his security detail over the years, as the Bishnoi gang shows no signs of letting go of this issue.
While the legal case may be closed, the religious and emotional wounds it has left open are far from healed. As the illegal trade of blackbucks continues to thrive, the tension surrounding Salman Khan’s blackbuck hunting case remains, fueled by both religious sentiment and the lucrative black market.
