Lawrence Bishnoi:
Table of Contents
Early Life and Education
Lawrence Bishnoi was born on February 12, 1993, in Dutarawali village, Fazilka district, Punjab, India. His father, Lavinder Singh, served as a constable in the Haryana Police before turning to farming in 1997. Bishnoi completed his early education in Abohar, Punjab, and in 2010, he moved to Chandigarh to attend DAV College. He later pursued a law degree (LL.B) at Panjab University.
Source: Wikipedia
Entry into Student Politics
When at Panjab University in 2011, he took an interest in student politics and joined the Campus Students Council at Panjab University. At that time, Bishnoi became more associated with another individual who eventually emerged as the infamous gangster, Goldy Brar. During this phase, he really entered into crimes more seriously.
Gang Formation- The Bishnoi Gang
Bishnoi’s foray into crime began with minor offenses, but he quickly escalated to more serious activities. He established the Bishnoi gang, which reportedly comprises over 700 shooters operating both nationally and internationally. The gang’s operations include extortion, drug trafficking, and contract killings. Despite being imprisoned since 2014, Bishnoi has managed to run this vast network from behind bars, utilizing illegal communication methods to coordinate with his associates.
High-Profile Threats and Crimes
In 2018, Bishnoi threatened Bollywood actor Salman Khan on the grounds of the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. The community of Bishnois considers blackbuck deer sacred. This incident angered Bishnoi. He remarked that Khan would be murdered in Jodhpur, which further increased his notoriety.
The gang is also accused of several high-profile murders:
Sidhu Moose Wala: In May 2022, Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab. Bishnoi’s associate, Goldy Brar, claimed responsibility for orchestrating the murder in coordination with Bishnoi.
Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi: In December 2023, Karni Sena President Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi was assassinated in Jaipur. The Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility through gang member Rohit Godara.
Baba Siddique: In October 2024, former Maharashtra Cabinet minister Baba Siddique was murdered. The Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility, citing Siddique’s close proximity to Salman Khan.
International Allegations and Diplomatic Tensions
In October 2024, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police accused Bishnoi’s gang of being used by agents of the Indian government to target individuals connected with pro-Khalistan elements in Canada. The accusation has added to the heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.
Life Behind Bars
Despite being incarcerated, Bishnoi continues to exert significant influence over his criminal empire. Reports suggest that he has access to mobile phones and other communication devices, allowing him to manage his operations from within prison. His ability to orchestrate criminal activities from behind bars highlights significant challenges within the Indian penal system.
Public Perception and Cultural Impact
Bishnoi has been able to gather a complex reputation in his hometown and among certain communities. While some people perceive him as a kind of Robin Hood, others describe him as a dangerous criminal. His story has been a matter of various media reports, documentaries, and discussions, indicating public interest in his life and crimes.
Conclusion
Lawrence Bishnoi, a law student turned one of India’s most dreaded gangsters, is an example of the complexities of organized crime in the country. He has been able to maintain control over a vast criminal network from prison, which challenges law enforcement and raises questions about the effectiveness of the penal system. As his influence grows, the authorities are under mounting pressure to dismantle his vast network and address the systemic issues that have allowed his operations to flourish.
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