Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe on Friday sharply criticized the Fadnavis government over what he described as a deteriorating law and order situation, following a series of recent threats to Bollywood celebrities such as Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh and Rohit Shetty allegedly from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
Londhe also raised serious questions about how jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi continues to operate despite being behind bars.
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“When Lawrence Bishnoi is in prison and you (the Fadnavis-led government) are in power and control the prison administration, he is still able to carry out such activities. Bishnoi may even have the support of people within the administration and political circles. So, whose failure is this? It is entirely the failure of Devendra Fadnavis and the Maharashtra government,” Londhe said.
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He further stated, “When the Congress was in power, strict action was taken against extortion rackets and underworld gangs in Mumbai. However, the current government has failed to rein in criminal elements despite repeated incidents targeting high-profile personalities. We have a so-called powerful Chief Minister, who also holds the Home portfolio of the state. Ensuring law and order is his responsibility. Yet, the situation is deteriorating not only in Mumbai but also in his hometown, Nagpur.”
Londhe’s criticism came after Bollywood star Ranveer Singh reportedly received a threat via WhatsApp from unidentified individuals earlier this week. Additionally, an unidentified gunman fired five rounds at filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s residence in Juhu, for which a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang allegedly claimed responsibility.
“It appears that the state government is short of ideas and is not in a position to take strict action. Instead, it is engaging in Hindu-Muslim debates rather than addressing core issues such as unemployment, inflation and women’s safety,” Londhe alleged.
He added, “The failure of law and order was visible even during election time. Film stars like Salman Khan and Ranveer Singh, along with filmmaker Rohit Shetty, have received threats. Shots were fired at Salman Khan’s residence, and such incidents are occurring repeatedly, yet the government has no concrete response.”
Earlier this week, Mumbai Police invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) — 11 days after five shots were fired at Rohit Shetty’s residence — and have so far arrested five individuals in connection with the case.
The firing incident occurred in the early hours of January 31, when unidentified assailants opened fire at Shetty’s home in Juhu.
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