Bollywood Star Issues Legal Notice Demanding Retraction and Public Apology
Mumbai – Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has issued a legal notice to Asia News International (ANI) demanding an unconditional apology and retraction of allegations linking him to underworld connections, giving the news agency just 48 hours to comply.
The Controversial Article
The dispute centers around a September 4 ANI article featuring statements from lawyer Amit Mishra, who represents two individuals involved in a firing incident near Khan’s Mumbai residence. The piece alleged that Khan had “known connections” with underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim’s network, commonly referred to as “D-Company.”
Khan’s Strong Legal Response
Through his legal team at DSK Legal, Khan has categorically denied all allegations, describing them as “absolutely false, baseless, malicious, grossly defamatory, misleading, damaging,” according to a Live Law India report.
The actor’s legal notice characterizes the claims as a calculated attempt to gain media attention at his expense and distract from the actual firing incident involving accused individuals Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal.
Accusations of Media Manipulation
Khan’s legal team has accused both ANI and Mishra of deliberately stirring controversy and spreading misinformation. The notice states: “This is nothing but a tactic to gather sympathy from the public at large, and to distract their attention from the matter at hand.”
The actor emphasizes that these allegations have been made “with an intent to defame, malign and harm the reputation and goodwill” he has built over his career.
Demands and Ultimatum
Khan’s legal notice includes specific demands:
Publication of an unconditional apology in major newspapers within 48 hours
Complete retraction of the original article
Commitment to refrain from making similar statements in the future
Legal Consequences Warning
The notice warns of potential criminal and civil legal proceedings if ANI and Mishra fail to comply within the specified timeframe: “If you fail to comply with the aforesaid within 48 hours of receipt of this notice, our client shall be constrained to initiate appropriate criminal and/or civil legal proceedings against you.”
What’s Next?
As the 48-hour deadline approaches, the entertainment industry and media are closely watching how ANI and Mishra will respond to Khan’s demands. The outcome could set a significant precedent for how celebrities handle allegedly defamatory coverage in Indian media. The case highlights ongoing tensions between Bollywood figures and news organizations over accuracy in reporting, particularly regarding sensitive allegations involving criminal connections
