Ayushmann Khurrana Gets Extortion Threat; Crores Demanded in Lawrence Bishnoi Gang’s Name

Mumbai: Ayushmann Khurrana has reportedly received a threatening audio message, in which the sender claimed to be associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and demanded ransom of crores of rupees from him. Mumbai Police is investigating the identity of the sender of the message and his claim. It is not clear in the initial investigation whether the gang is actually behind the threat or someone has tried to scare the actor by taking his name. 

What was said in the audio message?

According to media reports, in the message a person claimed to have gang connections and asked for a huge amount of money from Ayushmann. Police sources have been quoted as saying that investigators are comparing the voice of the audio with the samples of a person of the same name present in their records. Through this investigation, an attempt is made to find out who is the sender of the message and whether he has revealed his identity correctly or not. At present, the exact amount of the demanded amount has not been confirmed in the publicly available information. 

Has the threat maker's connection with the gang been proven?

Available reports state that the police investigation is ongoing, but no confirmed connection has been made between the messages received by Ayushmann and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Naming a gang in an audio is not in itself proof of their involvement. The credibility of this claim will be clear only after the results of police voice matching and other investigations. 

What is the similarity with Tusshar Kapoor's case?

A few days before the news related to Ayushmann, actor Tusshar Kapoor had also allegedly received a message demanding extortion of Rs 5 crore. In that case the sender had identified himself as Harry Boxer. Mumbai Police compared the audio with the voice sample of the boxer in their possession; In the initial investigation both the voices did not match. After this, the police expressed apprehension that someone might have threatened in the name of the gang. In that case also, the police is trying to identify the sender of the message.

What aspects are the police investigating now?

In Ayushmann's case, the authenticity of the audio and the identity of the sender are key checking points. Police are also trying to find out whether the message was sent by a single person or the role of some organized network is behind it. In the reports that have surfaced so far, the detailed details of the complaint lodged by Ayushmann or the complete information about the action taken by the police are not available. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to hold any person or gang responsible before the investigation concludes. 

Are the incidents of targeting Bollywood celebrities increasing?

Many reports of threats against film industry personalities have come to light. Recent reports also mention Ranveer Singh's manager allegedly receiving messages demanding Rs 20 crore and Tusshar Kapoor receiving threats. The circumstances and police investigations of these cases vary; Solid evidence is needed to link them to the same network. In Ayushmann's case also, it remains to be investigated as to who is actually behind the message. The police investigation is currently ongoing and the source of the threat and alleged gang-linkages have not been confirmed.