Lawrence Bishnoi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Balkaran Brar (1993-02-12)12 February 1993 (age 32)[1] Fazilka district,Punjab, India |
| Other names | Bishnoi |
| Alma mater | DAV College (B.A.) Panjab University (LL.B) |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Known for |
|
| Judicial status | Imprisoned |
| Details | |
| States | Punjab Rajasthan Haryana |
Lawrence Bishnoi (bornBalkaran Brar;[3] 12 February 1993) is an Indian gangster who has been imprisoned since 2014.[4][5] He faces multiple criminal charges, including those for extortion and murder; however, he has denied all allegations.[6][7] His gang is reportedly linked to over 700 shooters operating across the world.[8][9]
Lawrence Bishnoi was born as Balkaran Brar[3] on 12 February 1993 in the village of Dutarawali inFazilka district,Punjab. His father, a formerconstable in theHaryana Police, left the force in 1997 and took up farming. Bishnoi completed his early education inAbohar, Punjab, before moving toChandigarh in 2010 to attendDAV College.
In 2011, while studying atPanjab University, Bishnoi became actively involved in student politics, joining thePanjab University Campus Students Council. During this time, he formed a close association withGoldy Brar, who would later become a notorious gangster. The two became increasingly involved in university politics, allegedly leading to criminal activities.[1] Bishnoi went on to complete hisLL.B from Panjab University.[10]
Bishnoi's criminal career began in Chandigarh between 2010 and 2012, where severalFirst Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against him for attempted murder, trespassing, assault, and robbery.[11] These cases were tied to his involvement in student politics.[12][3] Out of seven FIRs filed against him in Chandigarh, Bishnoi was acquitted in four, while three cases remain pending.[13]
While in jail, Bishnoi forged alliances with other prisoners, contributing to his gang's growth. After his release, he formed connections with arms dealers and expanded his criminal operations, particularly during his time at Punjab University.[8] After graduating in 2013, Bishnoi allegedly escalated his violent activities by gunning down a winning candidate in the Government College student elections inMuktsar, and a rival candidate in theLudhiana Municipal Corporation elections.[8] He also became involved in liquor dealing,[8] and began sheltering murderers[citation needed] in his gang. In 2014, he had an armed confrontation with theRajasthan Police, resulting in his imprisonment.[8]
Bishnoi built a relationship with Jaswinder Singh, also known as "Rocky," a gangster-turned-politician. Rocky was assassinated in 2016 by Jaipal Bhullar, who was later gunned down in 2020.[4]
In 2021, Bishnoi was transferred toTihar Jail in Delhi under charges related to theMaharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Authorities reported that Bishnoi was usingVoice over IP (VoIP) calls to communicate with his associates.[8] In August 2023, theGujaratAnti-Terrorism Squad received custody of Bishnoi, citing a case of drug smuggling, and he was transferred to a high-security ward in theSabarmati Central Jail.[14]
In 2018, Bishnoi's associate Sampath Nehra attempted an attack onSalman Khan, linked to the1998 blackbuck poaching case, as the Bishnoi gang considers theBlackbuck sacred.[4][8][9][15] Bishnoi later issued direct threats against Khan, stating that Khan would be killed inJodhpur.[16][17]
In November 2023, Bishnoi claimed responsibility for a shooting at actor-singerGippy Grewal's home due to his alleged association with Salman Khan. Grewal denied any friendship with Khan.[18][19]
On 29 May 2022, Punjabi singerSidhu Moose Wala was assassinated inMansa, Punjab.[20] Bishnoi's associate Goldy Brar claimed responsibility for orchestrating the murder in coordination with Bishnoi. At the time, Bishnoi was in custody in Tihar Jail, but police linked his gang to the shooting.[21][22]
Following the assassination, Bishnoi filed a plea in theDelhi High Court requesting protection from a possiblefake encounter by thePunjab Police. He later withdrew his petitions from both the Delhi High Court and thePunjab and Haryana High Court.[23][24]
TheNational Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet in March 2023 against Bishnoi and 15 other individuals under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The chargesheet outlines Bishnoi's syndicate's connections with the pro-Khalistan movement, aiming to acquire advanced weapons and use proceeds from their extortion activities to fund and expand their criminal operations. The NIA noted that Bishnoi is facing 84 criminal cases across multiple states, including Punjab, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Delhi.[25][26][27][28]
On 21 September 2023, Bishnoi claimed responsibility for the killing of Sukhdool Singh Gill (also known as Sukha Duneke), aKhalistani separatist.[29][30]
On 5 December 2023,Karni Sena President Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi was shot dead inJaipur. The Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the assassination through Rohit Godara, a known gang member.[31][32][33]
The Bishnoi gang took responsibility for the 12 October 2024 assassination ofBaba Siddique, a former Maharashtra Cabinet minister, citing his close relationship with Salman Khan.[34][35]Mumbai Police attempted to obtain custody of Bishnoi but were rejected due to an order under Section 268 of theCode of Criminal Procedure.[36]
In October 2024, theRoyal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) alleged that criminal groups, including Bishnoi's gang, were being used by "agents of the Government of India" to target individuals linked to pro-Khalistan elements inCanada.[37][38][39] The Washington Post reported thatIndian National Security AdviserAjit Doval met withJody Thomas inSingapore, where Canadian officials presented evidence linking the Bishnoi gang to the killing ofHardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan leader.[40][41] In response to these allegations about Bishnoi gang the Ministry of External Affairs of India has said that they(India) asked Canada to extradite some of the member linked to Bishnoi gang but Canada didn't act on those requests and that India finds Canadian allegations "really strange".[42]
The Bishnoi gang reportedly has over 700 members across five Indian states and operates internationally. Despite being imprisoned, Bishnoi continues to control his syndicate through illegal communications with his associates.[9]