The Mumbai Crime Branch has begun the extradition process for Anmol Bishnoi, who is wanted in connection with a string of serious criminal activities, including the high-profile shooting incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence and several other cases across India.
Anmol, the younger brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has recently come under heightened scrutiny after being added to the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) most-wanted list. Early this October, a reward of Rs 10 lakh had been announced for information leading to his arrest.
Who is Anmol Bishnoi?
Anmol's name has emerged in connection with multiple criminal cases, especially the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022. He is also implicated in the recent killing of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, which occurred on October 12. The NIA has filed charges against him, alleging he provided weapons and logistical support to those responsible for Moosewala’s murder near his village in Punjab. The assassination was orchestrated by members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, with Goldy Brar claiming responsibility as an act of revenge for the earlier murder of Youth Akali Dal leader Vicky Muddukhera.
According to a chargesheet, Anmol was also directly involved in the attack on Salman Khan’s home early this April, where he reportedly motivated the shooters with a dramatic nine-minute speech, urging them to “create history.” His rhetoric highlighted a sense of destiny, declaring, “Now it is do or die, either life or death. It is written by God.”
With at least 18 criminal cases against him, Anmol Bishnoi fled India last year using a fake passport and is believed to be residing in Canada. His criminal activities have led to a non-bailable warrant issued by a Mumbai court in July. Following the assassination of Baba Siddique, officials confirmed that Anmol was in contact with the shooters involved in that case as well. While two suspects have been arrested, one remains at large.
Relation to Lawrence Bishnoi
Anmol's older brother, Lawrence Bishnoi, has been a prominent figure in organised crime for nearly a decade, currently imprisoned in Gujarat while facing charges related to drug smuggling and other violent offenses. Despite his incarceration, Lawrence is said to continue directing gang operations from Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Jail. The Bishnoi gang gained notoriety after the high-profile killing of Sidhu Moosewala, which drew national attention to their violent activities and ambitions.
Recently, Lawrence even took on a new role within his community, as multiple media reports indicate that he has been named the president of a registered blackbuck protection group, the All India Animal Protection Bishnoi Samaj, while behind bars. This organisation represents the Bishnoi Hindu sect, which historically advocates for the protection of wildlife, particularly blackbucks, which they regard as sacred.
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