25 Lakh Bounty and AK-47 from Pakistan in Salman Khan Assassination Plot

Rs 25 lakh contract was reportedly issued for the assassination of actor Salman Khan near his farmhouse in Panvel, Maharashtra, according to a chargesheet filed by the Navi Mumbai Police. The document identifies five individuals involved, with the conspiracy traced back to a gang led by incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

The chargesheet indicates that the accused were seeking to acquire sophisticated weaponry, including AK-47s, AK-92s, and M-16s from Pakistan, as well as a Turkish-made Zigana pistol—similar to the one used in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.

Recruitment efforts included enlisting individuals under 18, who are currently evading capture in areas such as Pune, Raigad, Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Gujarat. Approximately 60 to 70 individuals were reportedly monitoring Khan's activities, particularly around his residences in Bandra and Panvel, as well as at Goregaon Film City. The assassination plot was developed between August 2023 and April 2024.

The investigation revealed that a suspect known as Sukkha, arrested in Panipat, Haryana, on October 17, had tasked Ajay Kashyap, alias AK, and four other conspirators with carrying out the assassination. They conducted reconnaissance and determined that due to Khan's extensive security measures and use of bulletproof vehicles, more advanced weaponry would be required.

Sukkha allegedly contacted a Pakistan-based arms dealer named Dogar through video call, during which Dogar showcased an AK-47 and other firearms while negotiating the terms. Dogar agreed to provide the weapons, with Sukkha promising 50% payment upfront and the remainder upon delivery in India.

The chargesheet also details plans for the shooters to regroup in Kanyakumari after the assassination, from where they intended to flee to Sri Lanka by boat and then move to a country beyond Indian investigative reach. This conspiracy was uncovered during the probe into a shooting incident near Khan's Bandra residence.