The notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, imprisoned in Gujarat's Sabarmati Jail, is once again in the headlines. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for the assassination of former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddiqui. Gang member Shubham Lonkar allegedly posted on social media, which Mumbai Police is currently verifying. The police have arrested Shubham's brother, Praveen, and labeled him a co-conspirator.
In April, a shooting occurred outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's home, with Lawrence Bishnoi's name being mentioned again. Members associated with the gang were arrested. This gang was also involved in the killings of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022 and Sukhdev Singh GogaMedi, president of the National Rajput Karni Sena, in December 2023. The gang's name has surfaced in various other incidents as well.
Here is the Lawrence Gang's complete crime dossier...
The incident happened during Dussehra (August 12). NCP leader Baba Siddiqui was inside his office in Bandra, Mumbai. People were bursting crackers outside when, at around 9 PM, amidst the noise, Siddiqui was attacked. Three assailants, their faces covered with handkerchiefs, suddenly got out of a vehicle and fired six rounds indiscriminately. Three bullets hit Siddiqui, and he fell to the ground. He was rushed to Lilavati Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The police arrested two suspects and are conducting raids to nab the third suspect. Sources indicate connections revealing the shooters' ties to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. A social media post was made, later deleted, claiming responsibility for the murder on behalf of the gang. The motive for this murder was linked to actor Salman Khan.
Was Lawrence Gang Involved in the Shooting at Salman's House?
In April 2024, there was a shooting outside the Galaxy Apartments, Salman Khan's residence. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for this incident. Lawrence Bishnoi and his associates had previously threatened Khan. Letters of threat from Bishnoi and Goldy Brar were sent to Salman in 2022 and 2023, resulting in the Mumbai police providing him with security and an arms license for self-protection. Around-the-clock police surveillance is maintained at his residence.
Also Read: Jail Supremacy, "Assassination Plan in Jail, 4-week Recon, 3 Shooters, and 6 Bullets... What Has Been Revealed in the Baba Siddiqui Murder Case?
Bishnoi publicly declared seeking an opportunity to kill Salman for the alleged blackbuck poaching. Mumbai police keep close watch over the Bishnoi gang members. Another prominent member, Goldy Brar, orchestrated threats and shooting plans against Salman Khan from Canada, managing the gang's international connections from there.
Gangster Lawrence belongs to the Bishnoi community, which holds animals, particularly deer, sacred. Worshipping the blackbuck is customary for them. When Salman Khan's name surfaced in a blackbuck poaching case, Lawrence threatened to kill Salman, marking the onset of his enmity with the actor.
The murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala prominently featured the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, with member Goldy Brar claiming responsibility. They stated it was in retaliation for the murder of Vicky Middukhera.
Also Read: Inside Story of Lawrence Bishnoi Running the Gang from Jail, Connecting from Rajasthan and Punjab to Canada
On May 29, 2022, Moosewala was shot in Mansa district, Punjab, succumbing to multiple gunshot wounds at the scene. Goldy Brar claimed responsibility on social media shortly thereafter. They believed Moosewala's team assisted those involved in Middukhera's murder, prompting the targeting.
The incident on December 5, 2023, involved Sukhdev Singh GogaMedi, president of the National Rajput Karni Sena, at his Shyam Nagar, Jaipur residence. Assailants pretending to meet with him launched a fatal attack, with Bishnoi gang taking responsibility. Rohit Godara, a gang member, announced orchestrating the murder due to GogaMedi supporting their rivals. The incident involved accomplice Goldy Brar’s vital role and threats from Godara towards opposing enemies.
Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious gangster, operates particularly in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi-NCR. Engaged extensively in drug trafficking, extortion, contract killing, and other organized crimes, it is infamous for extortion from businessmen and celebrities. The gang has threatened several businesses and celebrities repeatedly. Their involvement is consistently noted in multiple murder cases. Bishnoi’s gang is also implicated in the drug trade, notably in Punjab and Rajasthan, employing high-level weaponry supplied to other gangs, with members remaining actively connected even from within jailed facilities. The gang’s reach extends internationally, notably to countries like Canada, through alliances with international gangs.
Also Read: The Rise of Bishnoi Gang to Notoriety like Dawood's 'D Company'
Despite consistent efforts by police across various states, the gang's criminal activities prevail. The network offers shooters promises of safety abroad post-assignment completion. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) pursues Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar’s gang relentlessly, including filing a chargesheet akin to Dawood Ibrahim’s 'D Company' comparison, highlighting their extensive syndication reminiscent of Ibrahim's 90s era network domination.
Initially rooted in Rajasthan, the Bishnoi gang expanded across numerous North Indian states under Lawrence Bishnoi’s leadership. His roots trace to Dutaranwali village, Fazilka district, Punjab. Engaging in crime during college, Bishnoi quickly built a feared criminal reputation.
From exerting influence in academic settings like Chandigarh and Punjab University, his foray into petty crime supplemented his burgeoning criminal network with recruited college associates, transforming these into an organized gang. His network extended to include associations like Goldy Brar and Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, managing gang operations across states.
Reasons Behind Strategic Gang Recruitment
Young recruits are lured with promises of inter-continental transfers to destinations like Canada, a recruitment strategy effective via social media channels. High-profile gangsters like Harvinder Singh Rinda, backed by Khalistani terror outfits, exploit these recruits for target killings and criminal activities in Punjab.
