After Kapil Sharma’s Cafe Attack, Bishnoi Gang Warns: 'If Anyone Works With Salman Khan...'
On August 7, 2025, Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Cafe in Surrey, Canada, was targeted in a second shooting within a month, with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claiming responsibility. The chilling attacks, which left windows shattered but no injuries, have sent shockwaves through Bollywood, as the gang issued a stark warning to the film industry: anyone collaborating with Salman Khan risks deadly consequences. This blog delves into the incident, the gang’s motives, the broader implications for Bollywood, and the ongoing security concerns, based on recent reports and public sentiment.
The Attacks on Kap’s Cafe
Kap’s Cafe, co-owned by comedian Kapil Sharma and his wife Ginni Chatrath, was first attacked on July 10, 2025, with nine gunshots fired by unknown assailants. The second incident, on August 7, was more intense, with approximately 25 shots fired, as captured in a viral video showing an armed individual targeting the cafe’s exterior. Bullet holes riddled the windows, but fortunately, no one was harmed. The Surrey Police are investigating, with security footage under review, but no arrests have been reported as of August 8, 2025.
A social media post attributed to Goldy Dhillon, a Bishnoi gang member wanted by Punjab Police and India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA), claimed responsibility. The post, written in Hindi, stated, “Jai Shri Ram, Satshriakal… The firing that happened today at Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Cafe in Surrey has been claimed by Goldy Dhillon, affiliated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. We called him, but he did not answer the ring, so we had to take action. If he still does not respond, the next action will be in Mumbai soon.” The authenticity of the post remains unverified, but it aligns with the gang’s pattern of public threats.
The Salman Khan Connection
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang explicitly linked the attacks to Kapil Sharma’s association with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. In a leaked audio clip, gang member Harry Boxer stated, “The first and now second firing at Kapil Sharma’s restaurant happened because he had invited Salman Khan to the inauguration on a Netflix show.” The show in question is The Great Indian Kapil Show Season 3, which premiered on Netflix on June 21, 2025, with Salman as the first guest. Boxer’s threats escalated, warning, “If anyone works with Salman, whether a small-time actor or a small-time director, we will not spare anyone. We will kill them. We will go to any extent necessary to kill them.” He ominously added that the gang would “ruin Mumbai’s atmosphere” with AK-47s, signaling a broader threat to Bollywood.
The gang’s animosity toward Salman Khan stems from the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, where the actor was accused of killing a blackbuck, an animal revered by the Bishnoi community. Lawrence Bishnoi, currently in jail, has targeted Salman for years, with past incidents including death threats and a shooting outside the actor’s Bandra, Mumbai, residence on April 14, 2024. The cafe attacks mark a disturbing escalation, extending the gang’s vendetta to those associated with Salman, even abroad.
Conflicting Motives: Babbar Khalsa Connection
Adding complexity, the July 10 attack was initially claimed by Harjit Singh Laddi, a fugitive linked to the banned Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), who cited derogatory remarks about Nihang Sikhs on The Kapil Sharma Show as the motive. This raises questions about whether the attacks involve multiple groups or if the Bishnoi gang’s claim is opportunistic. Security agencies are investigating potential coordination, with sources noting that Goldy Dhillon, believed to be in Germany, has a history of extortion and murder cases in Punjab.
Bollywood Under Threat
The Bishnoi gang’s warning has sent ripples of fear through Bollywood. Harry Boxer’s audio explicitly threatens actors, directors, and producers, stating, “Anyone who works with Salman Khan will be responsible for their own death.” This unprecedented intimidation targets the heart of Mumbai’s entertainment industry, with the gang hinting at further attacks in the city. The murder of former minister Baba Siddique, a close associate of Salman, by a Bishnoi-linked operative, Shubham Lonkar, underscores the gang’s reach and willingness to act on their threats.
Indian security officials are treating the threats seriously but remain cautious about the audio’s authenticity, noting that Salman’s appearance on Kapil’s show predates the attacks by weeks. The Crime Branch is probing whether the gang conducted reconnaissance around Kapil’s home or shooting sets, and there’s discussion of granting him police protection in Mumbai. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees has urged Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene, highlighting the growing safety concerns for celebrities abroad.
Kapil Sharma’s Response
Kapil Sharma has not directly addressed the August 7 attack but responded to the July incident via a joint Instagram post with Ginni, thanking Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke and the police for their support. “United we stand against violence. We’re truly grateful,” the post read, accompanied by a video of officials dining at Kap’s Cafe. The comedian’s silence on the latest threats may reflect caution amid escalating risks, as the gang has warned of further action in Mumbai if their demands are ignored.
Broader Implications
The attacks highlight several critical issues:
Transnational Crime: The Bishnoi gang’s ability to orchestrate attacks in Canada, possibly from operatives like Goldy Dhillon in Germany, points to the global reach of organized crime. This complicates law enforcement efforts, as Surrey Police and Indian agencies like the NIA must coordinate across borders.
Bollywood’s Vulnerability: The threats expose the film industry’s exposure to criminal intimidation, particularly for high-profile figures like Salman Khan, who has lived under Y+ security since the 2024 Bandra shooting. The gang’s targeting of Kapil, a beloved comedian, suggests an intent to instill fear across the industry.
Community Sentiments: The Bishnoi community’s reverence for the blackbuck fuels the gang’s vendetta, blending cultural grievances with criminal activity. This dynamic complicates resolution, as the gang frames its actions as justice for their community.
Impact on Kapil’s Business: Kap’s Cafe, a venture reflecting Kapil’s global popularity, now faces uncertainty. The repeated attacks may deter customers and disrupt operations, with economic and reputational consequences for Kapil and Ginni.
What’s Next?
The Surrey Police are intensifying their investigation, analyzing security footage and social media posts for leads. In India, the Crime Branch is exploring links to other Bishnoi gang activities, including the Baba Siddique murder. Kapil Sharma may receive enhanced security, and Bollywood stars are reportedly reviewing their safety protocols. The gang’s threats of “next action in Mumbai” have put the industry on edge, with fears of further violence looming.
The Indian government and film bodies are under pressure to address the safety of celebrities abroad, particularly in Canada, where diaspora tensions may amplify such incidents. Meanwhile, the Bishnoi gang’s bold claims and transnational operations underscore the need for international cooperation to curb their influence.
Conclusion
The second attack on Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Cafe in Canada, coupled with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s chilling threats against Salman Khan’s associates, marks a dangerous escalation in their campaign against Bollywood. Kapil’s decision to host Salman on The Great Indian Kapil Show has made him a target, highlighting the gang’s willingness to strike across borders to enforce their vendetta. As investigations continue and Bollywood grapples with fear, the incidents serve as a stark reminder of the intersection between crime, culture, and celebrity. The industry, authorities, and fans await Kapil’s response and hope for swift action to ensure safety and prevent further attacks.
Disclaimer: This blog is based on news reports and social media posts as of August 8, 2025, and is for informational purposes only. The authenticity of some claims remains unverified. For updates, consult credible news sources.
