The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has gained popularity for its involvement in several high-profile criminal activities, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and Maharashtra politician Baba Siddique. This criminal gang is also linked to ongoing threats against Bollywood superstar Salman Khan.
Here's a brief information about why and how Lawrence Bishnoi Gang is the talk of town right now.
Lawrence Bishnoi's Threat to Salman Khan
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is currently facing a grave threat following the murder of NCP politician Baba Siddique. An alleged member of the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang sent a chilling message to the Mumbai Traffic Police, demanding a ransom of ₹5 crore from Khan to settle his feud with the gangster. The message warned that failure to comply would result in consequences worse than those suffered by Siddique, who was shot dead outside his son’s office in Bandra on October 12.
The threatening message read: "If Salman Khan wants to stay alive and wants to end the enmity with Lawrence Bishnoi, then he will have to pay ₹5 crore. Do not take this lightly, otherwise Salman Khan's condition will be worse than Baba Siddique."
Who is Lawrence Bishnoi? All You Must Know
Lawrence Bishnoi, a 31-year-old gangster from Dhattaranwali village in Punjab’s Ferozepur district, hails from a well-off agricultural family. Belonging to the Bishnoi community, which is spread across Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan, Bishnoi shifted to Chandigarh in 2010 to pursue higher education after completing his schooling. While attending Panjab University’s DAV College, he quickly became immersed in student politics, eventually rising to the position of president of the Student Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU) in 2011-2012.
However, his path took a dark turn as he transitioned from student politics to a life of crime. His first criminal charges emerged in 2010, related to an attempted murder. Over the years, Bishnoi has amassed an extensive criminal record, including accusations of extortion and murder. Remarkably, despite being incarcerated in Sabarmati Central Jail, he continues to orchestrate criminal operations from behind bars.
Rivalries of The Gang
Lawrence Bishnoi's ascent in the criminal underworld has been marked by intense rivalries, leading to numerous revenge killings. The gang operates across various regions of northern India, targeting influential figures in both politics and business. Among his closest associates was Jaswinder Singh, known as Rocky, a gangster-turned-politician from Fazilka, Punjab. Rocky was instrumental in expanding Bishnoi's operations into cities like Sri Ganganagar on the Rajasthan-Punjab border. Tragically, Rocky was assassinated in May 2020 by a rival gangster in Himachal Pradesh.
The Bishnoi gang is also implicated in various cross-border smuggling operations, particularly in drug trafficking. Gujarat's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has linked Bishnoi to a network facilitating smuggling between India and neighbouring countries, solidifying his position as a key player in both local and international crime circles.
Threats Against Salman Khan
Lawrence Bishnoi’s notoriety escalated when he publicly threatened Bollywood actor Salman Khan. This feud traces back to a 1998 poaching case in which Khan was accused of killing a blackbuck during the filming of a movie in Rajasthan. The Bishnoi community, which reveres the blackbuck, has harboured resentment against the actor ever since.
In recent years, tensions have intensified, with Bishnoi and his gang making direct threats against Khan. In April 2024, shots were fired outside Khan’s Mumbai residence, allegedly by members of the Bishnoi gang. This prompted an increase in police protection for the actor, who now faces constant surveillance near his home.
Despite his imprisonment, Lawrence Bishnoi wields considerable influence through his criminal network. His threats against Salman Khan not only serve to enhance his notoriety but also reflect the deeper cultural tensions stemming from the actor’s past actions.
Lawrence Bishnoi's Connection With Sidhu Moosewala Murder
One of the most shocking crimes linked to Lawrence Bishnoi is the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, who was shot dead in 2022. Moosewala, a beloved figure in the Punjabi music industry, was known for his outspoken lyrics and massive fan following. The Bishnoi gang's involvement became evident when Goldy Brar, an associate of Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the killing. Brar, who fled to Canada in 2017, stated that the murder was executed in retaliation for the killing of youth leader Vicky Middukhera. This incident marked a turning point in public perception, elevating the Bishnoi gang's profile as a formidable and organized criminal syndicate.
Brar’s public claim of responsibility and his continued influence from abroad have led law enforcement agencies to believe that the Bishnoi gang operates as part of a broader international network. The Indian government has even designated Brar as a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), underscoring the gang's dangerous reach.
How Did Bishnoi Gang Operated For Years
For years, the Bishnoi gang has engaged in a wide array of criminal activities, including extortion, smuggling, and contract killings. A notable aspect of their operations is the ability to continue functioning from within the prison system. Even while incarcerated, Bishnoi has managed to maintain control over his criminal empire, often communicating through associates or using mobile phones smuggled into jail.
The gang is notorious for its violent tactics, aimed at eliminating rivals and intimidating targets. High-profile murders, such as those of Sidhu Moosewala and Baba Siddique, serve as stark reminders of their ruthlessness. The group’s reputation has made it one of the most feared criminal organizations in northern India, particularly in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
In addition to high-profile murders, the Bishnoi gang has also targeted wealthy businessmen and politicians for extortion. A recent case involved a Delhi-based Afghan national named Nadir Shah, who received threats from the gang after failing to comply with their demands. This ability to target individuals across various regions and sectors highlights the gang's extensive influence and operational reach.
