Who is Lawrence Bishnoi and why is he after Salman Khan? Know details here

The crime branch was also probing various angles, including a possible contract killing, business or political rivalry or threat over a slum rehabilitation project, according to officials.

This revelation brought back the spotlight on Lawrence Bishnoi, a gangster whose name has appeared in several high-profile crimes over the past few years.

Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?

Lawrence Bishnoi is a 31-year-old gangster who hails from the Dhattaranwali village in Punjab’s Ferozepur district. Coming from a well-off family of agriculturists, he belongs to the Bishnoi community, which is known for its spread across Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan.

After completing his schooling up to Class 12, Bishnoi shifted to Chandigarh in 2010 to pursue higher education. He enrolled in Panjab University’s DAV College and quickly became involved in student politics, eventually becoming the president of the Student Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU) in 2011-2012.

However, his path soon diverged into crime, with student politics acting as a cover for more serious activities. His first criminal charges were filed in 2010, involving an attempt to murder. Bishnoi has since accumulated a long list of accusations ranging from extortion to murder. Despite being lodged in Sabarmati Central Jail, he has managed to continue running his criminal operations from behind bars.

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Gang Rivalries and Major Criminal Operations

Lawrence Bishnoi’s rise to power in the criminal underworld was not without challenges. The gang has been involved in many violent rivalries, often carrying out revenge killings as part of its operations. The gang’s activities have spanned various regions, especially in northern India, targeting influential figures in both politics and business.

Among Bishnoi’s closest associates was Jaswinder Singh, also known as Rocky, a gangster-turned-politician from Fazilka, Punjab. Rocky played a significant role in helping Bishnoi expand his operations into cities like Sri Ganganagar on the Rajasthan-Punjab border and Bharatpur. However, Rocky himself was assassinated in May 2020 in Himachal Pradesh by rival gangster Jaipal Bhullar.

The Bishnoi gang has also been involved in several cross-border smuggling operations, particularly drug trafficking. Gujarat’s Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has accused Bishnoi of using his network to facilitate smuggling between India and neighboring countries, making him a significant figure in both local and international crime circles.

Lawrence Bishnoi’s Threats to Salman Khan

Lawrence Bishnoi’s name became widely known to the public after he allegedly issued death threats to Bollywood actor Salman Khan. Bishnoi had issued threats to Salman Khan after the 1998 poaching case in which Khan was accused of killing a blackbuck during the filming of a movie in Rajasthan.

The Bishnoi community, which considers the blackbuck a sacred animal, has long held a grudge against the actor.

In recent years, these tensions escalated when Bishnoi and his gang publicly targeted Salman Khan. The gang reportedly planned to kill the actor to avenge the blackbuck incident. Earlier in April 2024, multiple rounds of bullets were fired outside Salman Khan’s Mumbai residence, allegedly by members of the Bishnoi gang. These attempts prompted Mumbai police to increase security around the actor, with constant police presence now stationed near his house.

Despite his imprisonment, Lawrence Bishnoi continues to wield significant influence through his criminal network, often using threats and extortion as a means to achieve his goals. His threats against Salman Khan are not only an attempt to gain notoriety but also reflect the deeper cultural tensions that exist between the actor and the Bishnoi community.

The Killing of Sidhu Moosewala

Perhaps the most shocking crime linked to Lawrence Bishnoi is the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, who was shot dead in 2022. Sidhu Moosewala was a beloved figure in the Punjabi music industry, known for his outspoken lyrics and massive fan following.

The Bishnoi gang’s involvement in the murder became clear when Goldy Brar, an associate of Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the killing. Brar, who fled to Canada in 2017, stated that the murder was carried out in revenge for the killing of another youth leader named Vicky Middukhera. This incident marked a turning point in the public perception of the Bishnoi gang, elevating its profile as a deadly and organized criminal syndicate.

Goldy Brar’s public claim of responsibility and his continued influence from abroad have led law enforcement agencies to believe that the Bishnoi gang operates as part of a larger international network. Brar himself has been designated a terrorist by the Indian government under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), further emphasizing the dangerous reach of the gang.

How the Bishnoi Gang Operates

For years, the Bishnoi gang has been involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including extortion, smuggling, and contract killings. What sets the group apart is its ability to operate from within the prison system. Despite being incarcerated, Bishnoi has continued to run his criminal empire, often communicating through associates or using mobile phones smuggled into jail.

The gang is known for using violent tactics to eliminate rivals or intimidate targets. Many of its operations are designed to send a message, as seen in the murders of Sidhu Moosewala and Baba Siddiqui. The group’s reputation for ruthlessness has made it one of the most feared in northern India, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

Apart from high-profile murders, the Bishnoi gang has also been involved in extorting wealthy businessmen and politicians. One such recent case involved a Delhi-based Afghan national named Nadir Shah, who received threats from the gang after failing to comply with their extortion demands. The gang’s ability to target individuals across different regions and industries demonstrates its widespread influence.

Filling the Void in Mumbai’s Underworld

As Mumbai’s traditional underworld gangs like those led by Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Rajan, and Ravi Pujari have been largely neutralized over the past decade, police suspect that Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang is attempting to fill the void. With its roots in northern India, the gang has been extending its reach into Mumbai, especially through its connections in the Bollywood industry and local politics.

Mumbai’s police force is acutely aware of the rising threat posed by the Bishnoi gang. Multiple measures have been taken to prevent the gang from establishing a foothold in the city, including increased surveillance of known associates and enhanced security for high-profile targets like Salman Khan.