The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has gained notoriety for its alleged involvement in high-profile crimes, such as the murders of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and Maharashtra politician Baba Siddique. The gang is also linked to numerous threats against Bollywood star Salman Khan.
In October 2024, Baba Siddique, a prominent Maharashtra politician and former minister (2004-2008), was shot dead. His association with Bollywood figures like Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan made the case high-profile. Investigations led to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, with a social media post from one of its members taking responsibility.
Lawrence Bishnoi, a 31-year-old from Punjab, rose from student politics to become one of India’s most feared criminals. Born into a prosperous family in Ferozepur, he initially led the Student Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU) before shifting to crime. His first serious charge, for attempted murder, came in 2010. Despite being incarcerated in Sabarmati Central Jail, he continues to run his network, involved in extortion, murder, and smuggling.
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The Bishnoi gang’s rise has been marked by violent rivalries, revenge killings, and expanding operations across northern India. The gang often targets political figures and businessmen. Lawrence’s associate, Rocky, played a key role in the gang’s expansion but was assassinated in 2020 by a rival group.
Apart from violent clashes, the gang is heavily involved in drug and cross-border smuggling. The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has connected Bishnoi’s network to international smuggling operations.
The gang gained attention when Bishnoi threatened Salman Khan over the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. The Bishnoi community, which reveres blackbucks, harbors a longstanding grudge against the actor. The gang’s threats escalated in 2024 when shots were fired outside Salman’s residence, prompting increased police protection.
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The murder of Sidhu Moosewala in 2022 shocked the public and solidified the gang’s reputation. Moosewala, known for his bold lyrics and fan base, was killed in an attack linked to the Bishnoi gang. Lawrence’s associate, Goldy Brar, who claimed responsibility, operates from Canada as part of the gang’s international network.
Despite Lawrence Bishnoi’s imprisonment, his gang remains active, managing extortion and contract killings across the country. The gang uses violent methods to eliminate rivals, as seen in the murders of Sidhu Moosewala and Baba Siddique. It is also involved in extortion cases targeting prominent individuals, including an Afghan national in Delhi who faced threats from the gang.
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The Bishnoi gang’s involvement extends beyond India. In the controversy surrounding the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the Canadian police accused the group of being used by Indian agents against pro-Khalistani elements. India dismissed these claims, calling them politically motivated, and expelled six top Canadian diplomats in response.
The Canadian government also concluded its investigation into the 1985 Air India Flight 182 bombing, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration implicating jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, currently in Gujarat’s Sabarmati Jail.
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With the decline of traditional underworld figures like Dawood Ibrahim, the Bishnoi gang is gaining influence in Mumbai. Its ties to Bollywood and local politics are raising concerns. Mumbai police have heightened security for targets like Salman Khan, closely monitoring the gang’s activities.
As the Lawrence Bishnoi gang continues its violent operations, its influence grows, positioning it as a major force in India’s criminal underworld. Despite being behind bars, Bishnoi runs an expansive network of over 700 members, frequently making headlines for extortion and contract killings.
