Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 9: Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant on Sunday criticised the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in Maharashtra over security concerns in the Bollywood industry, following veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan's recent appearance behind bulletproof glass while greeting fans outside his Mumbai residence.

In a statement, Sawant said the bulletproof glass installed outside Bachchan's Juhu residence, Jalsa, had been removed on Sunday. Questioning the circumstances behind its removal, he asked whether the decision was taken following public criticism or pressure from the ruling BJP.

He remarked that Bachchan himself would know the reason behind the decision.

"The bulletproof glass may have been removed, but when will the fear in the minds of Bollywood actors, artistes, producers and directors go away?" Sawant asked.

The Congress leader demanded answers from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on when the film industry would be provided with a secure environment.

Without directly naming gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, Sawant alleged that the person responsible for creating an atmosphere of fear among film personalities was comfortably lodged in Gujarat's Sabarmati Central Jail.

He accused the BJP governments led by Modi at the Centre and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Maharashtra of failing to ensure the safety of Bollywood personalities, describing the situation as a failure of the BJP's much-publicised 'double-engine' government model.

Bachchan has maintained a long-standing tradition of greeting hundreds of fans gathered outside his Juhu residence every Sunday. However, his recent appearance behind a bulletproof glass enclosure for the first time attracted considerable attention and triggered criticism from Opposition leaders.

The additional security arrangement came amid concerns following a threatening email sent to Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, warning of bomb blasts at the actor's residence. The threat prompted heightened security concerns and renewed scrutiny of the safety arrangements for prominent Bollywood personalities.

The incident also came against the backdrop of several threats allegedly issued by individuals linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang against Bollywood personalities in recent months.

On October 18, unidentified assailants opened fire at the vehicle of actor Tiger Shroff in Mumbai's Juhu area. The actor escaped without serious injuries, while his driver and a bystander sustained bullet injuries.

The Lawrence Bishnoi gang subsequently claimed responsibility for the attack through a social media post, though police have been investigating the alleged links and circumstances surrounding the incident.

The shooting further intensified concerns over the security of film personalities in Mumbai and raised questions about the ability of law enforcement agencies to prevent organised criminal groups from targeting members of the entertainment industry.