Cop guarding Salman Khan dies of heart attack on duty in Mumbai
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A Mumbai Police constable deployed on security duty outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's residence died of a heart attack on 8 August, becoming the latest grim footnote in the high-stakes security operation surrounding the superstar. The officer, identified as 41-year-old constable Ganesh, collapsed suddenly while on post and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
What Happened Outside Galaxy Apartments
According to a senior Mumbai Police official, constable Ganesh was stationed outside Salman Khan's home as part of the actor's state protection detail when he fell ill without warning. Fellow officers at the scene immediately transported him to hospital, but medical staff were unable to revive him. Police confirmed the cause of death as a cardiac arrest.
Why Salman Khan Has Heavy Security
The actor has been under heightened police protection owing to repeated threats from jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who has publicly vowed to avenge the alleged killing of a blackbuck during the filming of Hum Saath-Saath Hain in the 1990s. The threat turned concrete in 2024, when two assailants on a motorcycle fired multiple rounds outside Galaxy Apartments in the Bandra area of Mumbai. Investigators subsequently established that the shooting was carried out on Bishnoi's instructions with the intent to intimidate the actor.
Bishnoi's Threat Record
Lawrence Bishnoi first drew national attention following the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022, after which his network's reach and willingness to act became a matter of serious law-enforcement concern. His gang's open threats against Salman Khan have since forced a sustained, round-the-clock security deployment — one that has now claimed the life of a constable.
What Salman Khan Has Said About the Threats
Speaking to reporters at a five-star property in Bandra last year, the actor acknowledged the burden of constant security but said he was not afraid. Salman Khan told the media: 'Bhagwan, Allah sab unpar hai. Jitni umar likhi hai, utni likhi hai. Bas yahi hai (It's all up to God, Allah. What is written is written. That's all). Sometimes, having to move around with so many people becomes a problem.'
What Happens Next
The death of constable Ganesh is likely to prompt a review of duty schedules and welfare protocols for officers on long-term VIP protection assignments. His passing underscores the human cost of a security operation that shows no sign of being wound down, given the unresolved threat from the Bishnoi network. No official statement had been issued by the actor's team at the time of reporting.