Mithun Chakraborty receives threat from Pakistani gangster over Hindu-Muslim remarks

Shahzad Bhatti, a notorious Pakistani gangster with links to underworld figures like Lawrence Bishnoi and Farooq Khokhar, has issued a direct threat to Bollywood veteran Mithun Chakraborty following controversial remarks made by the actor during a BJP rally in Kolkata. Bhatti, who is currently based in Dubai, demanded that Chakraborty issue an apology within 10 to 15 days or face severe consequences. The threats come after Chakraborty made a statement that sparked widespread controversy and backlash from multiple quarters.

The controversy began on October 27, 2024, when Chakraborty spoke at a political rally attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. During the speech at the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) in Salt Lake, Kolkata, Chakraborty addressed the issue of anti-Hindu rhetoric, particularly focusing on the alleged threats against Hindus. He stated, “A local leader claimed that Hindus, being the minority here, would be thrown into the Bhagirathi river. I will not throw you into the river, but I will bury you on your land.” These comments were widely criticized for their inflammatory nature, and many viewed them as an attempt to stoke communal tensions.

In response to the remarks, Shahzad Bhatti, who has a criminal history involving murder, arms trafficking, land disputes, and political violence, released two separate videos threatening Chakraborty. In the first video, Bhatti addressed Chakraborty directly, demanding that the actor apologize for his statement within 10 to 15 days. Bhatti emphasized that this apology was necessary for maintaining peace and warned that failure to comply would result in consequences. The second video featured a clip from Chakraborty’s speech, overlaid with a voice-over from Bhatti, warning the actor about the repercussions of his words.

Bhatti’s background in organized crime is extensive. He is known for his close ties to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, infamous for his rivalry with Bollywood actor Salman Khan, and Pakistani crime lord Farooq Khokhar. Bhatti runs an extensive network across Pakistan, Dubai, the US, and Canada. Together with Khokhar, he operates a criminal syndicate involved in multiple illegal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and arms smuggling. The duo is also known for their political influence, using their resources to manipulate power dynamics in various regions.

Bhatti’s involvement in India’s underworld became widely known when he intervened in a high-profile dispute between Salman Khan and Lawrence Bishnoi. Bhatti claimed to have mediated a peace deal between Khan and Bishnoi, who had issued a public threat against the actor. According to Bhatti, the situation escalated when no one else in India was willing to act as a mediator. This incident painted Bhatti as an influential figure in the criminal world with ties to international gangs. He has also faced allegations of being connected to the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, with some reports suggesting Bhatti’s involvement in arms trafficking for the attack.

In addition to his criminal ties, Bhatti’s influence within the world of entertainment has also been noted. He has claimed that, despite his criminal past, Muslims in India have supported and respected Chakraborty, even when his films were not doing well at the box office. Bhatti’s comments were aimed at reminding the actor of the respect he has received across religious communities, further adding to the tension surrounding Chakraborty’s remarks.

Bhatti’s notoriety was further amplified by the viral circulation of a video call between him and Lawrence Bishnoi that surfaced four months ago. In the 17-second video, which was conducted over the encrypted Signal app, Bishnoi, who was under high-security detention in Sabarmati Central Jail, greeted Bhatti with Eid wishes. The video raised concerns about the ability to track communications between individuals involved in high-security cases. Despite denials from Sabarmati jail authorities, the video contributed to the ongoing investigation into Bishnoi’s criminal activities. Chakraborty’s remarks have not only ignited communal tensions but also prompted legal action from various quarters, with accusations of hate speech and incitement to violence.