The Mumbai Police has asked actors to steer clear of crowded public spaces and avoid meeting fans in the open, 10 November. The advisory comes weeks after a shooting attack on actor Tiger Shroff and amid growing concern over the safety of film personalities in the city.
Why the advisory was issued
According to the India Today TV report, on Tuesday, a senior Mumbai Police officer said the step was taken as a precaution, given the renewed security worries around celebrities. On 18 October, shots were fired at Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai. The 36-year-old actor was largely unhurt, but his driver and a bystander were injured. Since then, it has emerged that the homes of several well-known personalities had been recced.
Amitabh Bachchan’s bulletproof glass
Last week, Amitabh Bachchan was seen greeting fans outside his Juhu bungalow, ‘Jalsa’, from behind bulletproof glass. The sight drew wide attention, as the veteran star has met fans outside his home for several years. The extra cover came after an email to Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde threatening bomb blasts at his residence.However, Sr Bachchan removed the barrier just days later. On the evening of Sunday, 8 November, he went back to greeting fans the way he has for more than four decades, without the glass.
Political reaction
The move sparked a political war. The Congress questioned whether the threat to Bollywood personalities had really eased or whether the BJP-led Maharashtra government simply wished to avoid embarrassment. “Whether bulletproof glass is removed, as it shows the government in bad light, or the threat is over, this is something only Amitabh ji can answer,” the Congress leader said.
Threats linked to the Bishnoi gang
Several Bollywood celebrities have received threats from people claiming links to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Last week, actor Ayushmann Khurrana got a threatening audio message from a man claiming to be an aide of the jailed gangster. According to Mumbai Police sources, the caller allegedly demanded crores of rupees.