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Lawrence Bishnoi

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Lawrence Bishnoi
Born
Balkaran Brar

(1993-02-12) 12 February 1993 (age 31)[1]
Fazilka district, Punjab, India
Other namesBishnoi
Alma materDAV College (B.A.)
Panjab University (LL.B)
Years active2010–present
Known for
Judicial statusImprisoned
Details
State(s)Punjab
Rajasthan
Haryana

Lawrence Bishnoi (born Balkaran 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]

Early life and education

Lawrence Bishnoi was born as Balkaran Brar[3] on 12 February 1993 in a village named Dutarawali in Fazilka district, Punjab. His father, a former constable in the Haryana Police, left the force in 1997 and took up farming. Bishnoi completed his early education in Abohar, Punjab, before moving to Chandigarh in 2010 to attend DAV College.

In 2011, while studying at Panjab University, Bishnoi became actively involved in student politics, joining the Panjab University Campus Students Council. During this time, he formed a close association with Goldy 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 his LL.B from Panjab University.[10] He changed his name to Lawrence inspired by British educationist and administrator Henry Lawrence, the founder of The Lawrence School, Sanawar.

Criminal life

Bishnoi's criminal career began in Chandigarh between 2010 and 2012, where several First 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]

Rise in crime and gang formation

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 in Muktsar, and a rival candidate in the Ludhiana 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 the Rajasthan Police, resulting in his imprisonment.[8]

Association with Rocky and Bharatpur Jail

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] Bishnoi continued to operate his criminal syndicate from Bharatpur jail, allegedly with assistance from jail staff.[citation needed]

In 2021, Bishnoi was transferred to Tihar Jail in Delhi under charges related to the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA). Authorities reported that Bishnoi was using Voice over IP (VoIP) calls to communicate with his associates.[8] In August 2023, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad received custody of Bishnoi, citing a case of drug smuggling, and he was transferred to a high-security ward in the Sabarmati Central Jail.[14]

Involvement in high-profile cases

Salman Khan Threat

In 2018, Bishnoi's associate Sampath Nehra attempted an attack on Salman Khan, linked to the Black Buck hunting case, as the Bishnoi gang considers the Blackbuck sacred.[4][8][9][15] Bishnoi later issued direct threats against Khan, stating that Khan would be killed in Jodhpur.[16][17]

In November 2023, Bishnoi claimed responsibility for a shooting at actor-singer Gippy Grewal's home due to his alleged association with Salman Khan. Grewal denied any friendship with Khan.[18][19]

Assassination of Sidhu Moose Wala

Main article: Assassination of Sidhu Moose Wala

On 29 May 2022, Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala was assassinated in Mansa, 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 the Delhi High Court requesting protection from a possible fake encounter by the Punjab Police. He later withdrew his petitions from both the Delhi High Court and the Punjab and Haryana High Court.[23][24]

Killing of Sukhdool Singh

On 21 September 2023, Bishnoi claimed responsibility for the killing of Sukhdool Singh Gill (also known as Sukha Duneke), a Khalistani separatist.[25][26]

Assassination of Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi

On 5 December 2023, Karni Sena President Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi was shot dead in Jaipur. The Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the assassination through Rohit Godara, a known gang member.[27][28][29]

Killing of Baba Siddique

The Bishnoi gang took responsibility for the 12 October 2024 assassination of Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra Cabinet minister, citing his close relationship with Salman Khan.[30][31] Mumbai Police attempted to obtain custody of Bishnoi but were rejected due to an order under Section 268 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.[32]

Global allegations

Allegations by Canada

In October 2024, the Royal 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 in Canada.[33][34][35] The Washington Post reported that Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met with his Canadian counterpart in Singapore, where Canadian officials presented evidence linking the Bishnoi gang to the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan leader.[36][37] 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".[38]

Gang network and operations

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]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "Who is Lawrence Bishnoi, whose gang shot Sidhu Moose Wala". India Today. 30 May 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  2. ^ "Lawrence Bishnoi admits he planned Moose Wala killing, but doesn't know shooters | Chandigarh News - Times of India". The Times of India. 18 June 2022. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  3. ^ a b c Manral, Mahender Singh (19 October 2024). "Lawrence & Co: The gangster and his band of trusted lieutenants". Indian Express. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  4. ^ a b c Parashar, Saurabh (31 May 2022). "Who is Lawrence Bishnoi whose gang claimed to have killed Sidhu Moose Wala". The Indian Express. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  5. ^ Biswas, Soutik. "Lawrence Bishnoi: The Indian gangster pulling strings from behind bars". BBC News. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  6. ^ "Notorious gangster threatens to kill Salman Khan". The Asian Post. 8 January 2018. Retrieved 19 July 2022.
  7. ^ "Lawrence Bishnoi, being investigated in the Sidhu Moose Wala murder, threatened Salman Khan's life in 2018: 'Jodhpur mein hi maarenge…'". The Indian Express. 31 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g Anand, Jatin; Sur, Arnabjit (4 June 2022). "How Lawrence Bishnoi fell on the wrong side of the law". The Hindu. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
  9. ^ a b c Ojha, Arvind (31 May 2022). "'Will kill Salman Khan in Jodhpur': Watch Lawrence Bishnoi's threat to Bollywood star in 2018 | Video". India Today. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  10. ^ Chandigar, Arvind Ojha (30 May 2022). "Who is Lawrence Bishnoi, whose gang shot Sidhu Moose Wala". India Today. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  11. ^ Shekhar, Raj (23 September 2023). "Lawrence Bishnoi vs Davinder Bambiha: A college rivalry leaves two nations in a diplomatic row". Times of India. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  12. ^ "Lawrence Bishnoi's girlfriend burnt alive? Here's what we know about his love story in college". Business Today. 15 October 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  13. ^ "Who is Lawrence Bishnoi? The gangster who targeted Salman Khan and linked to Baba Siddique's murder". Mathrubhumi. 13 October 2024. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  14. ^ "Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi Sent To High-Security Gujarat Jail In Drugs Case". NDTV. 28 August 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  15. ^ "Salman Khan's ex-girlfriend Somy Ali says 'Namaste Lawrence Bishnoi bhai', invites him for a Zoom chat". The Economic Times.
  16. ^ "Salman Khan Gets Death Threat From Gangster". NDTV.com. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  17. ^ "Salman Khan issued death threats by Rajasthan-based gangster; linked to black buck case?". Firstpost. 6 January 2018. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  18. ^ ""Salman Khan is not my friend"". ARY News. 28 November 2023. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
  19. ^ Richter, Brent (5 December 2023). "Bollywood actor's home reportedly targeted in West Vancouver shooting". North Shore News. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
  20. ^ "Days after his security trimmed, Congress leader Moosewala shot dead in Punjab". The Indian Express. 30 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  21. ^ "Five things to know about Goldy Brar, who claimed responsibility for Sidhu Moosewala's death". The Indian Express. 31 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  22. ^ "Lawrence Bishnoi, being investigated in the Sidhu Moose Wala murder, threatened Salman Khan's life in 2018: 'Jodhpur mein hi marriage…'". The Indian Express. 31 May 2022. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  23. ^ "Lawrence Bishnoi moves Punjab and Haryana High Court after withdrawing plea from Delhi High Court". Tribuneindia News Service. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  24. ^ "Sidhu Moose Wala murder: Lawrence Bishnoi takes back Delhi HC plea, will move Punjab high court". Hindustan Times. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  25. ^ "Two rival Punjabi gangsters claim responsibility for Sukhdev Singh's death in Canada". The Indian Express. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  26. ^ "Lawrence Bishnoi claims responsibility for Khalistani freedom fighter Sukhdev Singh's killing in Canada". Mint. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
  27. ^ "Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi shot dead in Jaipur". The Times of India. 10 December 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  28. ^ "Karni Sena chief murder: Lawrence Bishnoi gang claims attack, protests in Jaipur". India Today. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  29. ^ "'Rajasthan bandh' called today over Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Gogamedi's murder". mint. 6 December 2023. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  30. ^ "'Reason for his death...': Lawrence Bishnoi gang claims responsibility for Baba Siddique's death". Business Today. 13 October 2024.
  31. ^ "Baba Siddique murder: Who is Lawrence Bishnoi, jailed gangster said to be involved in NCP leader's killing?". Financialexpress. 13 October 2024. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  32. ^ "This Order Is Stopping Mumbai Police From Taking Lawrence Bishnoi's Custody". NDTV.com. Retrieved 15 October 2024.
  33. ^ Ellis-Petersen, Hannah (15 October 2024). "Canadian police accuse India of working with criminal network to kill dissidents". The Guardian.
  34. ^ Kaushik, Krishn (15 October 2024). "Who is Lawrence Bishnoi, at the center of a spat between India and Canada?". Reuters.
  35. ^ "Canada-India tensions: Who is Lawrence Bishnoi, at the center of the row?". Global News. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
  36. ^ Miller, Greg; Shih, Gerry (14 October 2024). "Canada alleges much wider campaign by Modi government against Sikhs". The Washington Post.
  37. ^ Lakshman, Shriraam (16 October 2024). "Washington Post says Amit Shah and senior R&AW official authorised covert operations in Canada". The Hindu.
  38. ^ Kaushik, Krishn (17 October 2024). "India says Canada did not act against gang it links to New Delhi". Reuters. Retrieved 31 October 2024.
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