New Delhi: Lawrence Bishnoi—a name that evokes a shroud of fear yet remains unfamiliar to many—has resurfaced in the headlines, linked to the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and the recent assassination of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui.
In the Sidhu Moosewala case, more than 25 accused were arrested by the police, while 34 were named accused. These included many young boys like Priyavrat Fauji, Ankit, Keshav, Manpreet Manoo, Jagroop Rupa, Kashish, Kapil and Deepak Mundi. All the accused were from Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
Currently incarcerated in Ahmedabad’s high-security jail, Bishnoi’s notorious gang continues to operate undeterred across 11 states and six countries, fueling a criminal enterprise that remains both expansive and lethal. With a slogan of “Jai Balkari,” Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang is a stark reminder of the pervasive influence of organised crime in India.
Bishnoi’s criminal network was implicated in the shocking shooting at Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s residence on April 14 of this year. His gang’s ability to orchestrate violence from behind bars raises alarming questions about the grip of organized crime in contemporary India. Some of his special henchmen are Goldy Brar, Kala Jathedi, Rohit Godara, Surendra Singh alias Chiku and brother Anmol Bishnoi, who actively work to further its influence both domestically and internationally.
The alarming trend is the gang’s recruitment of young, impressionable individuals—primarily aged between 18 and 25—many from impoverished backgrounds or those seeking a quick financial windfall. This predatory practice exploits vulnerable youth, luring them into a life of crime with promises of wealth and status. The tragic reality is that many of these young recruits lack proper education, making them easy targets for Bishnoi’s sinister ambitions.
The modus operandi of Bishnoi’s gang involves using social media as a recruitment tool. Pages and profiles associated with Bishnoi and his associates attract young followers, who are subsequently approached and integrated into the gang. Many are driven by the allure of quick money or the promise of foreign opportunities, while others are coerced through intimidation.
The criminal organsation boasts a staggering roster of over 700 shooters, with around 300 operating out of Punjab alone. Prior to executing violent acts, a list of shooters is prepared, and logistical support—including weapons and vehicles—is meticulously organized. In a chilling display of efficiency, shooters are instructed to rendezvous with arms suppliers to collect their weapons and are briefed on their assignments, demonstrating the gang’s calculated approach to violence.
Most of these young people are not very educated and there are some who join Lawrence’s gang and resort to his name and show bullying fearlessly. At the same time, there are some who join such gangs just in the process of earning more money in less time and going abroad.
