The recent murder of veteran Mumbai political leader Baba Siddique has brought the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang back into the spotlight. But who is Lawrence Bishnoi, and how did he become the mastermind behind this complex web of organized crime?
Origins and Rise to Power
Born in 1993 in Dhattaranwali village, Punjab, Lawrence Bishnoi’s journey into crime began during his Panjab University days in Chandigarh ¹. He met future gang leader Goldy Brar, and this association marked the beginning of his foray into organized crime. Bishnoi’s father, a Haryana Police constable, had left the force in 1997 to become a farmer.
Global Operations and Network
The Bishnoi gang’s influence extends across continents, with ties in India, Canada, and other countries. They operate in several Indian states, including Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh. Their primary activities include extortion, murder, and arms trafficking ¹.
Extortion and Intimidation Tactics
The gang targets high-profile individuals, employing professional shooters to carry out hits and intimidate victims. Lawrence Bishnoi’s ability to orchestrate crimes from prison has raised concerns about the justice system’s effectiveness.
- Advertisement -
Communication and Coordination
Despite being incarcerated, Bishnoi uses mobile phones to communicate with associates. A viral video showed him conversing with Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti. The gang maintains a roster of approximately 700 shooters, hiring local gangsters and providing arms training.
Modus Operandi
The Bishnoi gang collaborates with local groups, hiring shooters for contract killings and political assassinations. These shooters are paid handsomely for their services.
Law Enforcement Response
Lawrence Bishnoi’s repeated involvement in high-profile crimes has led to his transfer between prisons, including Gujarat’s Sabarmati Jail and Delhi’s Tihar Jail. Authorities struggle to curb his communication networks.
Key Takeaways:
- Lawrence Bishnoi’s Rise to Power: From university politics to organized crime
- Global Operations: Extending across continents and Indian states
- Extortion and Intimidation: Targeting high-profile individuals
- Communication and Coordination: Mobile phones and arms training
- Modus Operandi: Contract killings and political assassinations
- Law Enforcement Response: Prison transfers and communication network struggles
As the investigation into Baba Siddique’s murder continues, understanding the complexities of organized crime and its far-reaching consequences is crucial. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s extensive operations highlight the need for enhanced law enforcement strategies.
