Citing threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which is believed to be behind the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, the state government has upgraded the security of Bollywood actor Salman Khan to Y+, mid-day has learnt. Similar cover is being given to Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis’s wife Amruta Fadnavis after assessing their threat perception. This means four armed guards in different shifts will protect each of these personalities. Salman now receives regular protection from the Mumbai police.

The security cover has been categorised by the state’s intelligence department based on the potential risks to the lives of eminent personalities. The state has also provided X category cover for Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar—he will be guarded by three personal security officers in three shifts. The cost of the security is borne by the protectees, said sources.

The Mumbai police and the state government have major concerns over Salman Khan following inputs from the Delhi police and the arrest of some members of the Bishnoi gang in connection with the Moose Wala murder case by the Maharashtra police. The cops have also shared reports in this regard with the state home department. Salman was recently granted a weapon licence.

Sources said the police from Punjab, Delhi, and Maharashtra have discovered that gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar had planned fatal attacks on Salman Khan in Mumbai. In fact, they attempted twice, one outside his Bandra home during his birthday celebration in 2017 and another at his Panvel farmhouse in 2018.

“Security is upgraded or degraded by the state and centre based on threat perceptions. For example, as a result of recent life threats to businessman Mukesh Ambani and his wife Nita Ambanis, their security was upgraded to Z+ from the Z category, and their other family members received Z security,” said an officer.

Actor Anupam Kher has X category security. Sources said Anupam Kher’s heightened security was the fallout of threats he received after the release of the film The Kashmir Files, while Akshay was granted security as he was being targeted on social media based on his nationality and other threats. Industrialist Ajay Piramal has been given Y+ security based on threats and his relations with the Ambani family. His son Anand, who too will get Y+ cover, is married to Isha Ambani.

Sources said Amruta Fadnavis recently received threats on social media. Also, being a part of the family of deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, who is also a top BJP leader, she has received numerous threats. Uddhav Thackeray’s PA Milind Narvekar’s security has been upgraded from Y+ to Y+ escort, which means two more guards added to his security. He had security cover since 2005 which was made X category in 2019 and later upgraded to Y+. Now, it has been further strengthened based on threat perceptions and the recent Sena revolt.