A Bengaluru-based IT engineer has been arrested by Mumbai Police for allegedly sending extortion threats to Bollywood actors Ayushmann Khurrana, Tusshar Kapoor and several other celebrities. The accused, identified as 30-year-old Vaibhav Mishra, is suspected of posing as a member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to intimidate film personalities and demand money.
According to police reports, Mishra was arrested in Bengaluru by the Mumbai Crime Branch. Investigators said they traced him through his online profile and technical details after the actors reported the threatening messages. He is expected to be brought to Mumbai after police obtain transit remand from a local court.
Tusshar Kapoor Allegedly Received a ₹5 Crore Demand
Police said Mishra allegedly contacted Ayushmann Khurrana and other actors through Instagram. In Tusshar Kapoor’s case, the accused allegedly sent an audio message threatening the actor and demanding ₹5 crore.
The message reportedly claimed to be from Hari Chand Jat, also known as Harry Boxer, who has been described as an associate of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. However, investigators found that the voice in the recording did not match the voice samples of Harry Boxer available in police records, raising suspicions that someone else was impersonating him.
Ayushmann reportedly received threatening messages through Instagram from someone claiming links to the gang. Reports indicate the sender sought crores of rupees, although police have not publicly confirmed a specific amount in his case.
Police Suspect an Attempt to Exploit Fear
The arrest comes amid heightened concern in the film industry following a series of threats and the October 18 firing incident involving Tiger Shroff’s car in Mumbai’s Juhu area.
According to the Indian Express, police suspect Mishra may have tried to exploit the fear created by recent incidents attributed to the Bishnoi gang. An officer said investigators also suspected the use of AI-generated voice samples, though further questioning is expected to establish the details.
Police have clarified that there is currently no evidence linking Mishra to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch) Rajtilak Roushan said investigators were yet to interrogate him fully and determine whether he acted alone or had any wider connections.
Investigation Continues
The case has drawn attention to alleged copycat threats targeting celebrities, in which individuals reportedly invoke the names of criminal gangs to pressure people into paying money.
Tusshar Kapoor had approached the police after receiving the threatening audio clip, while Ayushmann Khurrana also reported messages. Investigators are examining the communications and other technical evidence as they work to establish the accused’s motive and the full scope of the alleged activity.
The arrest is an important development in the investigation, but the allegations remain subject to the legal process. Police are expected to question Mishra further after bringing him to Mumbai.
For now, authorities have not confirmed any gang involvement, and the investigation continues to focus on how the messages were sent, whether other celebrities were targeted and what prompted the alleged extortion attempts.
