Bollywood woke up to a chilling whisper from across the seas. And no, this is not a film script. This time, the drama is real and tense. Actor Ranveer Singh has reportedly been targeted with a ₹10 crore extortion demand, and the threat did not come from a local number but through a voice note sent from a US phone number. Yes, a WhatsApp voice note, and it has now triggered a high-level police probe.
Also Read: Lawrence Bishnoi gang warns Ranveer Singh, Rohit Shetty again: ‘Even your next seven generations can’t touch us’
The voice note that sparked panic
According to Mumbai Police officials, the threatening message was allegedly sent to Ranveer Singh’s manager through WhatsApp. The demand? A massive ₹10 crore. The voice note reportedly came from an American number instantly raising alarms.
Preliminary investigation points to key operative of Bishnoi gang, identified as Harry Boxer. Investigators believe the voice in the note matches his, although they are still collecting more evidence to confirm claim fully.
Crime branch steps in, US authorities contacted
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has taken the matter seriously. Officials have already reached out to US authorities through official channels to trace the origin and ownership of the phone number used to send the message.
So far, the police have recorded the statement of Ranveer Singh’s manager and continue to probe all angles. However, no FIR has been registered yet. For now, it remains a preliminary enquiry, but clearly a sensitive one.
Link to Rohit Shetty house firing
Investigators believe the threat message came soon after shots were fired outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence earlier this month. In that incident, five bullets were fired, and the shooters were later arrested.
Sources say three accused Deepak Sharma, Sonu Kumar, and Sunny Kumar were promised ₹3 lakh for the attack, with ₹50,000 already paid in advance. The Bishnoi gang reportedly claimed responsibility for the firing.
Police also revealed that the weapon used was a country-made but sophisticated gun. At least five 7.62 mm high-velocity bullets were fired, known for their deadly impact.
Chilling social media warning
Soon after the firing, a social media account linked to gang member Shubham Lonkar issued a terrifying warning. The message hinted that the firing was just a “trailer” and threatened that future shots could be fired directly inside the victim’s bedroom.
Lonkar is already wanted in multiple cases, including the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui in October 2024 and gunfire incidents outside another major Bollywood star’s residence.
The Bishnoi gang’s growing shadow
The Bishnoi gang, allegedly run by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi from inside a high-security prison in Gujarat, has been linked to several murders, extortion attempts, and drug and weapon trafficking networks in recent years.
The gang’s influence stretches beyond India too. In September last year, Canada even designated the group as terrorists, indicating their strong presence there, especially after the killing of Khalistani figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.
For now, Bollywood is watching nervously.