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Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?

Lawrence Bishnoi is an Indian gangster currently imprisoned since 2015. He faces multiple criminal charges, including those for extortion and murder, though he has denied all the allegations. His gang is reportedly linked to over 700 shooters operating across India.

Born Balkaran Brar 12 February 1993 (age 31) Fazilka district, Punjab, India

Early life and education

Lawrence Bishnoi was born 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. Bishnoi went on to complete his LL.B from Panjab University. 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. These cases were tied to his involvement in student politics. Out of seven FIRs filed against him in Chandigarh, Bishnoi was acquitted in four, while three cases remain pending.

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 Panjab University^. 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. He also became involved in liquor dealing, and began sheltering murderers in his gang. In 2014, he had an armed confrontation with the Rajasthan Police, resulting in his imprisonment.

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

In 2021, Bishnoi was transferred to Tihar Jail in Delhi under charges related to the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA). Authorities reported that Bishnoi was using Voice over IP (VoIP) calls to communicate with his associates. 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.

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. Bishnoi later issued direct threats against Khan, stating that Khan would be killed in Jodhpur.

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.

Assassination of Sidhu Moose Wala

On 29 May 2022, Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala was assassinated in Mansa, Punjab. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Mumbai Police attempted to obtain custody of Bishnoi but were rejected due to an order under Section 268 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

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. 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.

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.