Blackbuck poaching: Ahead of Friday hearing, Salman Khan receives death threat; cops initiate probe

The Rajasthan Police is investigating the alleged death threats received by Bollywood actor Salman Khan, days ahead of his court hearing in the blackbuck poaching case. The 53-year-old actor, who is accused in the case, is expected to appear before a Jodhpur court on Friday.

"We are trying to ascertain the identity of those behind it. If we get any input, we will neutralise the threat proactively," Deputy Commissioner of Police, D Singh, said, adding that preventive action will be taken before any untoward incident takes place.

The threat, which carried a photo of Salman Khan with a red cross, was posted on Facebook by an account named Gary Shooter.


"People have alleged that a gang which goes by name "007" is behind it. Whether the threats are given by the members of this gang or not is yet to be ascertained," he added.

Earlier this month, the state government had filed a plea in the Rajasthan High Court challenging the acquittal. Khan was convicted in the case, that also involves the remaining cast of the 1998 film 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'. The actor, who was convicted under Section 51 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act and awarded a five-year prison term, was later granted bail.

In 1998, Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu, Neelam Kothari and a local Dushyant Singh had allegedly killed two blackbucks in Jodhpur during the shooting of his 1998 blockbuster 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'.