The tragic murder of Baba Siddique has reignited tensions surrounding Bollywood star Salman Khan, as BJP MP Harnath Singh Yadav has urged the actor to issue a public apology to the Bishnoi community for the blackbuck poaching incident that took place over two decades ago. The demand comes at a time of heightened unrest, with Siddique, a close friend of Khan, allegedly murdered by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang—a group that has long harbored animosity toward the actor.
A Painful History
The roots of the controversy trace back to 1998, when Khan was convicted for hunting a blackbuck, an animal considered sacred by the Bishnoi community, during the filming of “Hum Saath-Saath Hain” in Rajasthan. The case sparked outrage within the Bishnoi community, which views the blackbuck as a symbol of reverence and protection. Even after years, the wound has not healed, and resentment toward Khan still lingers.
MP’s Appeal:
In light of these ongoing tensions, Yadav took to X (formerly Twitter) to address the issue. His message urged Khan to make amends, stating, “People make mistakes, but my good advice to you is that you should respect the sentiments of the Bishnoi community and apologize to them for your big mistake.” The appeal, made in a public forum, underscores the lingering emotions tied to the 1998 incident and the cultural values of the Bishnoi people, who feel their beliefs were deeply disrespected.
The Shadow of Violence:
Yadav’s call for an apology gains added weight in the wake of Baba Siddique’s murder. Siddique, a prominent politician and Khan’s close friend, was allegedly killed by members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang—a group that has repeatedly targeted Khan, threatening his safety over his role in the Blackbuck poaching case. The gang’s open claim of responsibility for Siddique’s murder has cast a fresh pall over Khan’s life, with concerns growing about further potential threats.
Cultural Grievances and Celebrity Accountability:
Yadav’s appeal reflects a larger sentiment within the Bishnoi community. The call for an apology is not just about a decades-old incident but about a clash of cultural values—between a revered community symbol and the actions of a public figure. The blackbuck remains sacred, and the demand for accountability from a celebrity like Khan represents the community’s enduring need for justice and respect.
The tragic events surrounding Baba Siddique’s death have only intensified these longstanding tensions, underscoring how historical grievances continue to shape relationships between local communities and public figures.
