Indian comedian Kapil Sharma has been placed under heightened security after his café in Canada came under gunfire for the second time in a month, allegedly by members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, police said. In an audio clip circulating online, gangster Goldy Dhillon, identified as a Bishnoi gang member, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was carried out because of Sharma’s closeness to Bollywood actor Salman Khan. “In future, anyone working with Salman will face dire consequences. Next time, we will aim straight at the chest,” the message warned.

Mumbai Police have stepped up surveillance around Sharma’s residence and are reviewing CCTV footage. The attackers have also reportedly threatened to strike in Mumbai.

The All India Cine Workers Association (AICWA) condemned the shootings, calling them a “premeditated attack on the dignity and freedom of India’s film industry” reminiscent of the 1990s, when Bollywood faced extortion threats and violence from underworld syndicates.

“This is not just about Kapil’s café. Recent incidents targeting Salman Khan, Baba Siddique, and Saif Ali Khan point to an alarming pattern,” AICWA said in a Facebook post. “Such acts are designed to intimidate stars, erode their creative freedom, and deliberately weaken the backbone of Indian cinema.”

The body urged Home Minister Amit Shah to take up the matter with the Canadian Prime Minister and ensure the safety of Indian citizens and celebrities abroad. It warned that the incidents were spreading fear among millions who depend on the film industry for their livelihood.