Salman’s security is increased as the actor is perceived to be under threat from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang; Akshay Kumar and Anupam Kher also given X category security
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; November 3, 2022)

Salman Khan, who had previously applied for a weapon license for self-protection, will now be provided with Y+ category security by the Mumbai Police as the actor is perceived to be under threat, state reports. The Maharashtra government has taken this step after the actor and his father Salim Khan received a threat letter from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang just days after Sidhu Moose Wala’s murder, that read: “Salim Khan, Salman Khan Bahut Jald Aapka Moose Wala Hoga. . . (sic)”

Police had confirmed the Bishnoi gang’s involvement in the letter. As per the information received from Maharashtra Home Department, the reason behind the Bishnoi gang threatening Salman and his father was to create an atmosphere to show their power, an agency reported, adding that following the incident, the Maharashtra Department of Home Affairs increased Salman’s security, upgrading it by two levels from X.

This isn’t the first time that Salman has faced murder threats. Delhi Police officials earlier confirmed that two attempts were made to kill Salman in 2018-19. In September, the Delhi Police said that some Bishnoi gang members posed as Salman’s fans and tried to befriend the staff of his house to find out about his entry-exit timings and details of the people who accompany him. In July, Special Cell officials of the Delhi Police said that Bishnoi told them that his community members will not forgive Salman unless he “apologises for killing blackbuck”, which is considered sacred by the Bishnoi community.

MANY ACTORS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED POLICE SECURITY OVER THE YEARS
Reports added that the Maharashtra state government will also provide X category security to Akshay Kumar and Anupam Kher. In 2020, after she said that she feared for her life, the MHA accorded Kangana Ranaut Y+ category of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) security. Till 2016, Mumbai Police was providing security to 40 Bollywood celebrities. Reportedly, in January 2016, security cover for 25 Bollywood celebs was reduced. However, Mumbai Police officials said that they do not share any details of security provided to any actor.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
In response to an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act by Jammu resident Rohit Choudhary, the MHA stated that it was “difficult to ascertain the expenditure on security”. It added, “It is difficult to determine it precisely as it includes salary and allowances to security personnel, communication, transport vehicles etc. which are accounted for under respective budget heads of different security agencies, under different heads. Moreover, state governments also incur expenditure on security, as they are primarily responsible for providing security to individuals on tour in their State/UT (area of jurisdiction). These accounts are neither compiled nor available centrally.”

WHEN IS POLICE SECURITY PROVIDED TO AN ACTOR?
When any celebrity in any state needs police protection, they write to the district police, which then assesses the situation. State governments and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) provide security to celebs or individuals on the basis of information from intelligence agencies. There are largely five categories of security covers that are provided to people – X, Y, Y+, Z and Z+.

These are given on the basis of intelligence reports, personal requests, threat perception and maintaining law and order at a gathering. The applicant has to submit a written request, following which security is considered. The police charge a fee to Bollywood actors for providing security.

However, if the Centre approves security, then it is the MHA which decides payment/non-payment conditions, and as per officials, in such cases the celebrity isn’t usually required to pay for security.