Following the murder of Baba Siddique, allegedly orchestrated by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, Bihar MP Pappu Yadav responded boldly, declaring that if given the opportunity, he could dismantle Bishnoi’s criminal network within 24 hours. “If the BJP-led government cannot protect influential leaders like Siddique, what hope is there for ordinary people?” Yadav said, expressing his dismay at the murder of “Bihar’s son, Baba Siddique.” He described the killing as a tragedy and condemned the gang’s impunity, calling Bishnoi “a two-bit criminal” and challenging the gang’s influence in a public tweet on October 13.
Days after this challenge, Yadav received an alleged death threat from someone claiming to represent the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. In the audio recording, the caller warned Yadav, saying, “You’re being watched closely, and if you don’t stay away from Salman Khan’s issues, there will be consequences.” This was a direct response to Yadav’s vocal support for the Bollywood actor, who has faced longstanding threats from Bishnoi’s network. The caller further alleged that Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in Sabarmati jail, has been using “Rs 1 lakh per hour” to bypass signal jammers, facilitating his communication with Yadav despite the prison’s restrictions. “You could have told ‘bhai’ [Bishnoi] that the media did this, not me. Settle the matter as soon as possible,” the caller added, urging Yadav to reconnect with Bishnoi’s associates and “resolve” their disputes.
Yadav, undeterred by the threat, took the matter to Bihar’s Director General of Police, requesting immediate action and later appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah for heightened security measures. He cited the increasing threat to his life and sought an upgrade from his current ‘Y’ level security to ‘Z’ category. In response, Bihar’s police officials have begun assessing the situation, with the Purnia Superintendent of Police remarking that they are evaluating further measures to ensure Yadav’s safety amid this tense period.
Pappu Yadav’s challenge to the Bishnoi gang emerged shortly after the murder of Siddique, a former NCP leader with ties to Salman Khan, as some believe the gang targeted Siddique due to his association with the actor. During a press conference, Yadav expressed his support for Khan, adding that he had attempted to meet the actor during a recent visit to Mumbai but could only connect over the phone due to Khan’s filming schedule. “I want to assure him—‘Main hoon na’ [I am here for you],” Yadav tweeted, recounting their phone conversation. He described Khan as “fearless and brave,” committed to his “work and humanity,” which further strengthened Yadav’s resolve to stand against Bishnoi’s gang.
In addition to voicing support for Khan, Yadav met with Zeeshan Siddique, son of Baba Siddique, pledging solidarity and calling for justice for the family. “No one is above the law and the constitution,” Yadav stated, reiterating his commitment to the Siddique family and demanding swift action against those responsible for Baba Siddique’s death.
As police investigate the broader implications of the Bishnoi gang’s activities, sources suggest that Siddique’s murder could be part of a more extensive campaign by the gang to intimidate Khan, who has been targeted by the gang in the past due to old enmities. While Yadav’s open challenge has drawn public attention, it has also intensified his need for protection amid what appears to be a new chapter in a long-standing conflict between organized crime and public figures.
