Television actor Abhinav Shukla has reportedly received a disturbing death threat from a social media user claiming to be affiliated with the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The threat, delivered via Instagram, surfaced shortly after an intense verbal exchange between Shukla’s wife, popular actress Rubina Dilaik, and rapper Asim Riaz during a recent episode of the reality show Battleground.

The situation has sparked concern among fans and members of the entertainment industry alike, especially considering the reference made in the threat to the recent firing incident outside superstar Salman Khan’s residence—allegedly orchestrated by individuals linked to the same criminal gang.

The On-Air Dispute That Sparked the Incident

The series of events leading to the threat began on the sets of the competitive reality show Battleground, where Rubina Dilaik and Asim Riaz were seen engaging in a heated argument. While the exact cause of the verbal altercation remains unclear, it quickly became a trending topic on social media, with fans of both celebrities taking sides.

Dilaik, a celebrated television actress and winner of Bigg Boss 14, is known for her strong on-screen presence and bold personality. Asim Riaz, who rose to fame through the same reality show franchise, has since built a name for himself in the Indian rap and music industry. The conflict between the two appeared to be spontaneous and unfiltered, contributing to the episode’s virality.

What was initially perceived as entertainment soon took a dark turn when Abhinav Shukla began receiving threatening messages online.

The Chilling Message and Social Media Fallout

Abhinav Shukla, who is also known for his stint on Bigg Boss and various television dramas, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share screenshots and video recordings of the threats he received. The message in question came from an Instagram user identified as Ankush Gupta.

The message, written in Hindi, reportedly read:

“I’m from Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang. I know your address. Should I come over? Just like Salman Khan was shot at, I’ll come to your house and shoot you with an AK-47.”

The threat struck a chilling resemblance to the recent gunfire incident at Salman Khan’s Galaxy Apartments in Mumbai, where shots were fired by motorcycle-borne assailants. The incident was linked to gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently under investigation in several high-profile cases.

Shukla's decision to publicize the threat was met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow actors. Many urged the authorities to take immediate action and ensure the safety of the actor and his family.

Police Action and Security Concerns

Following the public revelation of the threat, Shukla is believed to have filed a complaint with the local police, urging them to trace the origin of the message and take appropriate legal action. According to media sources, cybersecurity experts have been roped in to identify the account holder behind the threatening message.

While no official statement has yet been issued by the police, the matter is reportedly being treated with seriousness due to the nature of the threats and the reference to organized crime.

Shukla, who is known for his composed demeanor, expressed his concern but reassured fans that he and Rubina are taking all necessary precautions. “We are cooperating with the authorities. My family’s safety is my top priority, and I trust the law will take its course,” he said in a brief statement to the media.

The Bishnoi Gang and Bollywood: A Growing Concern

The mention of Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang has once again reignited debates around the growing nexus between criminal syndicates and the entertainment world. Bishnoi, a notorious gangster currently in prison, has been linked to several violent incidents, including the shocking murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022.

In recent months, his name has cropped up in multiple threats directed at Bollywood personalities. Salman Khan, in particular, has been on the alleged hit list of the gang, prompting the Maharashtra police to bolster his security.

The repeated references to AK-47s and high-profile shootings have alarmed both the public and the entertainment industry, prompting calls for better protection and cyber policing.

Industry and Public Reactions

Many celebrities have come forward to express their support for Abhinav Shukla and Rubina Dilaik. Actor and host Karanvir Bohra said, “This kind of behavior is unacceptable. We stand by Abhinav and hope the culprits are brought to justice swiftly.”

Similarly, several fan pages of both Shukla and Dilaik have urged the government to increase vigilance and crack down on criminal groups using social media to intimidate public figures.

Meanwhile, Asim Riaz, whose name was indirectly connected due to the earlier spat with Rubina, has remained silent on the matter so far. His representatives have not issued any statement, and it's unclear whether he has reached out to the couple in private.

The Role of Social Media in Celebrity Safety

This incident has also reopened discussions about the role of social media in both spreading and curbing hate speech and cyber threats. While platforms like Instagram and X allow fans to connect with their favorite stars, they are also increasingly being misused for anonymous threats and online harassment.

Cybersecurity analysts emphasize that such threats, even if made for attention or as pranks, must be taken seriously in today’s climate. “We’ve seen too many real-life crimes rooted in online altercations,” said a senior cybercrime officer. “It’s essential for law enforcement and tech companies to collaborate on monitoring such behavior.”

Moving Forward

As of now, Abhinav Shukla continues to engage with fans cautiously, updating them about developments while maintaining transparency. His primary focus, he says, remains on protecting his loved ones.

Rubina Dilaik has not issued a public statement since the threat but was recently seen attending a public event, suggesting she is trying to maintain normalcy despite the disturbing turn of events.

Whether the threat was genuine or a hoax remains to be seen, but it has certainly underscored the dangers faced by public figures in the digital age. For now, all eyes are on the police investigation and how swiftly the matter will be resolved.