Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch has apprehended Banwarilal Laturlal Gujar, a 25-year-old from Rajasthan, following allegations of making threats against Bollywood actor Salman Khan in a YouTube video posted on the channel ‘Are Chhodo Yaar’. Gujar was brought to Mumbai and presented before a city court on Sunday, which remanded him to police custody until June 18.
The complaint was initiated after a viewer flagged a video on the ‘Aare Chhodo Yaar’ channel where an individual, claiming association with gang members, including Goldy Brar, Vivek Bhaiya, Rohit, and Jitin, issued threats towards Salman Khan. The video’s content, transcribed by authorities, included statements indicating familiarity with these individuals and explicit threats directed at the actor.
The South Cyber police registered a case under sections 506(2), 504, and 34 of the Indian Penal Code, along with section 66(d) of the Information Technology Act, based on the threatening content. Subsequently, the Anti-Extortion Cell (AEC) took over the investigation.
Using digital evidence, the police traced the accused’s email ID and contact number to Gujar’s residence in Bundi district, Rajasthan. He was arrested from a hostel, with his uncle notified of the arrest by the police team.
During court proceedings, the Crime Branch requested the accused’s custody to examine his call records for potential links to criminal networks and ascertain any connection to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Investigators aim to uncover motives behind the video’s posting, explore any involvement in prior criminal activities, and determine if Gujar is connected to the Salman Khan firing incident.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns over online threats and the use of digital platforms for criminal activities. Mumbai Police continues to investigate the case thoroughly as part of efforts to ensure public safety and uphold legal standards.
