The glitz and glamour of Bollywood have been overshadowed by a chilling security crisis as actor Ranveer Singh becomes the latest high-profile target of a digital extortion attempt. On Tuesday, the actor reportedly received a death threat via a WhatsApp voice note, prompting the Mumbai Police to immediately escalate security measures at his residence.
The threat, which demands a ransom running into several crores, has sent shockwaves through the industry, coming just weeks after a violent firing incident at the home of filmmaker Rohit Shetty.
The WhatsApp Extortion: A New Modus Operandi
According to preliminary police reports, the threat was delivered as a voice message to Ranveer Singh’s team. The sender, claiming links to an organized criminal syndicate, warned of "severe consequences" if the astronomical ransom was not paid.
The Mumbai Police Cyber Cell and the Crime Branch have launched a joint investigation to trace the digital footprint of the message. The voice note has been sent for forensic analysis to determine if the speaker matches known underworld associates.
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Security Update: Additional police personnel have been stationed outside Singh’s Bandra home.
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Residential Concern: Reports indicate that Singh and wife Deepika Padukone have also hired private armed security, leading to minor friction with their housing society over the presence of weapons in common areas.
Links to the Rohit Shetty Firing Incident
Investigators are urgently probing a potential connection between this threat and the January 31 firing incident at director Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence. In that case, five rounds were fired by unidentified shooters, an act later linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
"We are exploring if this is a coordinated attempt to intimidate the 'Dhurandhar' star or a standalone extortion bid," a senior police official stated. "The pattern of targeting high-performing stars following a major hit is a known tactic to maximize fear."
Box Office Success Amidst Shadow of Fear
Ironically, these threats come at a time when Ranveer Singh is enjoying the biggest professional peak of his career. His recent spy thriller, Dhurandhar, has shattered box office records, grossing over ₹1,300 crore worldwide.
The film's massive success has made Singh a primary target for extortionists. Fans, however, remain focused on the future of the franchise. Production for the sequel, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, is already underway, with an expected release date of March 19, 2026. Industry insiders suggest the sequel has already locked in non-theatrical deals worth ₹245 crore, further cementing Singh's status as a "top-tier" asset in Indian cinema.
What This Means for Bollywood
The surge in threats against celebrities like Ranveer Singh and Rohit Shetty highlights a worrying trend in the intersection of organized crime and the entertainment industry. For now, the Mumbai Police remain on high alert, ensuring that the sets of upcoming blockbusters remain secure.
Takeaway for Readers: As the investigation continues, the focus remains on whether digital platforms like WhatsApp provide enough traceability to nab the culprits before they escalate their tactics.
