The Blackbuck holds a special place in India’s cultural and religious beliefs. It is considered sacred by several communities, and its association with Lord Krishna in Hindu mythology underscores its religious importance. According to scriptures, the blackbuck was regarded as the carrier of the Moon God, making it a symbol of purity. As an endangered species, India’s Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 granted it the protection it needed, making hunting blackbucks illegal.
In recent times, one of the most controversial wildlife crime cases in India involved Bollywood actor Salman Khan, which not only brought national attention to the endangered blackbuck but also introduced the involvement of a gangster, Lawrence Bishnoi. His connection to the blackbuck poaching case raised new questions about crime, religion, and revenge.
The Blackbuck Poaching Case and Lawrence Bishnoi’s Role
The blackbuck poaching case, dating back to 1998, involved the killing of two blackbucks during a film shoot in Rajasthan. Salman Khan, along with his co-stars, was accused of illegally hunting the endangered animals, which are considered sacred by the Bishnoi community. The case made headlines not only because of Khan’s celebrity status but also due to the involvement of Lawrence Bishnoi, a member of the Bishnoi community. Bishnoi’s involvement in the case emerged years later when he publicly claimed that killing a blackbuck was not just an environmental crime but an offense against his religious beliefs. Bishnoi declared that he would kill Khan to avenge the death of the sacred blackbuck.
Lawrence Bishnoi’s Connections and Criminal History
Beyond his threat to Salman Khan, Bishnoi has been involved in several high-profile crimes, including the murder of Bandra MLA Baba Siddiqui. Though the connection between Bishnoi and the murder remains speculative, authorities have long suspected him of involvement due to political and personal reasons. In addition to the Siddiqui case, Bishnoi has been linked to several violent attacks, extortion rackets, high profile murders and organized crime in northern India.
A Gangster: Protector or Predator?
As a boy raised in a community known for its protection of nature and wildlife, Bishnoi grew up to become one of India’s most feared criminals. His threat to Khan was not just a celebrity feud; it was the expression of a man whose religious beliefs had been violated. However, transitioning from protecting sacred animals to becoming a top figure in organized crime are two completely different stories, and one is clearly unjustified.
Conclusion
Lawrence Bishnoi’s life serves as a cautionary tale. A boy from a village, driven by his devotion to his community and its values, grew up to become a feared gangster in pursuit of revenge. This leaves us with a question: Is the path of revenge ever justified? Could Bishnoi have taken a different path, and if so, what might have changed? We will have to wait to see how this story unfolds in the upcoming days.