Coordinated Arrests in Pan-India Operation
In a sweeping crackdown on the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, police across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi have apprehended seven suspected shooters linked to multiple high-profile crimes, including an attack on Bollywood star Salman Khan and the murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddiqui. This coordinated operation, conducted over the past 48 hours, has led to the seizure of six semi-automatic weapons and extensive ammunition, according to Delhi Police’s Special Cell.
Bishnoi Gang’s Target List Uncovered
According to police sources, these shooters were reportedly given a list of targets by Bishnoi’s close aides, which included individuals in Haryana and Rajasthan. The gang’s activities stretch across state borders, and orders are issued from Lawrence Bishnoi’s jail cell in Gujarat. Intelligence suggests that the arrested shooters were involved not only in the attack on Salman Khan but were also on the move to execute new targets, which has heightened concerns about gang activity across India.
International Links and Escalating Violence
The gang’s reach is not limited to India. Recently, Canadian authorities flagged the Bishnoi gang’s network abroad, suggesting ties to criminal activities outside India, including extortion and homicide. Among those linked to this criminal syndicate is Rohit Godara, a top Bishnoi associate believed to have fled to Canada using a fake passport after orchestrating attacks in India.
Bounty on Bishnoi and Mounting Public Pressure
Lawrence Bishnoi’s growing notoriety has led to public outcry and even bounties on his capture. This week, the Rajput group Kshatriya Karni Sena announced a ₹1.11 lakh reward for Bishnoi’s ‘encounter’ death, citing his involvement in crimes against community members and high-profile public figures. The escalation follows the killing of Rajput leader Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi last December, who was reportedly connected to Bishnoi’s gang.
Developments in Baba Siddiqui’s Murder Case
Baba Siddiqui’s murder, for which Bishnoi’s gang members have been implicated, saw several arrests of Bishnoi operatives. Two shooters connected to the murder were recently identified, though the main shooter and two accomplices remain at large. According to police reports, the attack involved an unusual method in which the assailants incapacitated Siddiqui’s guard with chili powder before fatally shooting him.
Progress in Salman Khan Firing Case
The gang’s involvement in last year’s firing incident outside Salman Khan’s Mumbai home also came under fresh scrutiny, with a recent arrest of a Bishnoi gang shooter, Sukha, in Haryana. Police suspect Bishnoi’s brother, Anmol, who is currently wanted and carries a ₹10 lakh bounty, played a significant role in planning the attack. Anmol’s deep involvement further underscores the gang’s hierarchy and their commitment to expanding the gang’s influence.
A Sophisticated Crime Syndicate
The Bishnoi gang operates with a complex and hierarchical structure, coordinating activities across borders and involving both domestic and international henchmen. This network executes a variety of crimes, from extortion and homicide to arms trafficking. Notably, the gang targets celebrities, high-profile businessmen, and those in the liquor trade, extracting protection money through intimidation tactics.
Expanding Reach and Organizational Efficiency
Bishnoi’s syndicate functions with well-organized teams focused on logistics, legal strategies, and intelligence gathering, keeping him well-informed on his targets and rivals. As police intensify their efforts to dismantle this criminal enterprise, the arrest of these seven shooters may serve as a significant step toward curtailing the gang’s operations, yet the full extent of their reach remains a concern for law enforcement nationwide.
(With inputs from agencies)
