In a startling revelation that underscores the increasing threats faced by public figures in India, popular independent rapper Emiway Bantai (real name: Bilal Shaikh) recently received a chilling death threat demanding ₹1 crore in ransom. The threat, purportedly sent by a member of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, came just hours before the release of Emiway’s tribute to the late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. This incident has sparked alarm among fans, the music industry, and law enforcement agencies alike. The case not only highlights the ever-looming shadow of organized crime on Indian entertainment but also reopens the conversation about the protection of artists who choose to voice their opinions and tributes in public domains. Who is Emiway Bantai? Emiway Bantai is one of India’s most prominent independent hip-hop artists. Known for his rapid-fire verses and raw street poetry, Emiway rose to fame through YouTube and other digital platforms. He gained widespread popularity after his diss tracks aimed at fellow rapper Raftaar and his viral hit "Machayenge". With millions of followers and a fiercely loyal fan base, Emiway represents a generation of self-made artists. He is known for his emotionally driven lyrics, many of which touch on social issues, personal struggle, and cultural pride. The Threat: Timeline of Events 1. Tribute to Sidhu Moosewala On May 29, 2025, Emiway was scheduled to release a heartfelt musical tribute to Sidhu Moosewala, the iconic Punjabi rapper who was gunned down in May 2022 in a chilling daylight attack. Moosewala's murder shocked the entire nation and brought the criminal activities of gangs like Lawrence Bishnoi’s into the spotlight. Hours before the tribute's scheduled release, Emiway's team received a death threat via WhatsApp to their official business contact number. 2. Content of the Threat According to the police complaint filed by Emiway's team, the threatening message allegedly came from an individual claiming to be Goldy Brar, a key associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Brar has been named in multiple criminal cases, including the conspiracy behind Moosewala’s assassination. The message demanded ₹1 crore from Emiway and warned him of "severe consequences" if the demand wasn't met. It reportedly included a warning to stop “exploiting the name” of Moosewala for personal or commercial gain. Lawrence Bishnoi is one of India’s most feared gangsters, currently incarcerated but still managing to run an extensive criminal syndicate. His gang has been involved in numerous high-profile cases including extortion, contract killings, and drug trafficking. A Canadian-based gangster, Goldy Brar is believed to be a close aide and key lieutenant of Bishnoi. He claimed responsibility for Sidhu Moosewala’s murder via social media posts, stating that it was an act of revenge for past personal and gang-related grievances. Together, Bishnoi and Brar represent a deep-seated criminal nexus that spans across states and even borders. 3. Mumbai Police Action Once the threat was received, Emiway’s management immediately informed Mumbai Police. An FIR (First Information Report) was lodged under sections related to criminal intimidation and extortion. 4. Security Measures Taken: Emiway’s security has reportedly been enhanced. Cybercrime and anti-extortion cells have begun tracing the origins of the message. The contact number used for the threat is being tracked to verify whether it was spoofed or genuinely operated by someone linked to the gang. 5. Investigative Agencies on Alert Authorities are not taking this lightly, especially since it follows a pattern of extortion threats made by the Bishnoi gang against several celebrities, businessmen, and influencers in recent months. The Mumbai Police is working in coordination with national intelligence units to assess the credibility of the threat. 6. Reactions from the Music Community The Indian music fraternity, particularly members of the independent hip-hop and Punjabi music scenes, have expressed solidarity with Emiway. Artists like Raftaar, Divine, and Ikka have taken to social media to condemn the threats and emphasize the importance of artistic freedom and personal security. 7. Public Sentiment Fans have flooded Emiway’s tribute video to Moosewala with supportive comments. Many expressed admiration for his courage and composure despite the looming threat. 8. This incident is part of a disturbing trend: In 2023, actor Salman Khan was also targeted by members of the Bishnoi gang, allegedly over his past hunting incident involving blackbucks—a species the Bishnoi community considers sacred. Punjabi singer Mankirt Aulakh, too, received threats for his alleged association with Moosewala’s rivals. Industrialists and high-net-worth individuals have also faced similar extortion attempts in recent years. These repeated cases illustrate a systemic issue where crime syndicates are trying to leverage public figures to extort money or assert power. Recent Crackdowns on the Bishnoi Gang In a significant development, Naveen Kumar, a sharpshooter and senior member of the Bishnoi gang, was killed in a police encounter in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, just a day before Emiway’s tribute release. Kumar was involved in over 20 criminal cases and considered a key operative. The timing of this incident has led investigators to consider whether the ransom threat to Emiway was a retaliatory move or part of a larger orchestrated strategy by the gang to assert dominance amid increased law enforcement pressure. Both Sidhu Moosewala’s murder and now Emiway’s threat have had significant online dimensions. Gangsters like Goldy Brar and others have used social media platforms to claim responsibility or issue warnings. This modern approach to criminal intimidation has made it harder for police to track down culprits while amplifying their messages to vast online audiences, often glorifying violence and crime. The incident also raises broader questions about freedom of expression and the influence of organized crime over the cultural landscape. Should artists be silenced or threatened for expressing tributes or opinions? This question is not just about Emiway or Moosewala—it affects the very soul of a democratic and artistic society. While tributes are meant to honor legacies, the gang’s reaction indicates a dangerous overreach into controlling narratives. For the Investigation Cyber forensics are likely to play a crucial role in tracing the origin of the threat. If the threat is confirmed to have come from Goldy Brar or another Bishnoi associate, international cooperation (particularly with Canada) may become necessary. Enhanced security protocols for celebrities. Growing demand for government intervention to ensure safe environments for creators. Possible tightening of cybersecurity laws and monitoring of criminal activities on social media platforms. The threat against Emiway Bantai underscores a dangerous blend of organized crime, digital intimidation, and the vulnerability of public figures in India. While artists like Emiway seek only to express their creativity and pay homage to fellow musicians like Sidhu Moosewala, they now find themselves targeted by gangs aiming to control narratives through fear. As investigations unfold and law enforcement steps up, one can only hope that justice prevails—not just for Emiway, but for the integrity of India’s artistic and cultural landscape.