Background
Lawrence Bishnoi, born on February 12, 1993, in Ferozepur, Punjab, emerged from humble beginnings. His father, initially a police constable, transitioned to farming after leaving the force in 1997. Bishnoi pursued his education in Abohar before moving to Chandigarh in 2010 to attend DAV College. His involvement in college politics began in 2011 when he joined the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council, where he met Goldy Brar, marking the start of his descent into the criminal underworld.
Criminal Activities
Bishnoi’s criminal career took off between 2010 and 2012, with numerous FIRs filed against him for serious offenses such as attempted murder, assault, and robbery. While he was acquitted in several cases, his life of crime only escalated. In 2013, he gained notoriety for shooting rival candidates in local elections. His criminal portfolio expanded to include extortion and liquor dealing, and he provided refuge for gang members involved in murders.
From 2014 onwards, Bishnoi was frequently incarcerated, during which he maintained and expanded his criminal network, reportedly conducting operations from behind bars. His transfer to Tihar Jail in 2021, connected to cases under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), did not hinder his activities. Instead, he continued to orchestrate criminal enterprises with the alleged assistance of jail staff.
Threats to High-Profile Individuals
Bishnoi’s criminal notoriety is accentuated by his threats against Bollywood actor Salman Khan, stemming from Khan’s involvement in a Black Buck hunting case. In 2018, one of his associates conducted reconnaissance on Khan’s residence, indicating a clear intent to harm the actor. The police have arrested several individuals connected to Bishnoi’s gang, who were plotting an attack on Khan, highlighting the gang’s ongoing influence.
Notable Murders
The assassination of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala on May 29, 2022, marked a significant moment in Bishnoi’s criminal saga. Goldy Brar claimed responsibility, leading to heightened scrutiny of Bishnoi, who was in Tihar Jail at the time. Following Moosewala’s murder, Bishnoi expressed fears for his life in custody, fearing a police encounter.
In another high-profile incident, Bishnoi’s gang was implicated in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Sukhdool Singh in Canada, showcasing their reach beyond Indian borders.
Bishnoi’s gang also took responsibility for the assassination of Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, president of the Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena, in December 2023. The brazen nature of this crime, captured on CCTV, underscored the gang’s audacity and operational capacity.
Recent Developments: Baba Siddique Murder
On October 12, 2024, the murder of NCP (Ajit Pawar) leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai allegedly involved three assailants linked to Bishnoi’s gang. This incident has raised alarms about the increasing boldness of organized crime in urban areas and Bishnoi’s significant role in it. Two of the assailants were arrested, and investigations are underway to apprehend the third.
Conclusion
Lawrence Bishnoi’s trajectory from college politics to becoming one of India’s most feared gangsters reflects the complex interplay of power, crime, and influence in contemporary society. His network, which reportedly comprises over 700 members, continues to pose a significant challenge to law enforcement, as evidenced by recent high-profile murders and threats. As investigations continue, the full extent of Bishnoi’s criminal empire remains to be seen, along with the potential for further violence in the ongoing turf wars and vendettas that characterize the landscape of organized crime in India.