Bishnoi’s network, linked to 700 shooters, recruits juveniles and operates through jailed connections.
Chandigarh: Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s criminal network is making headlines both in India and abroad, with reports indicating that over 700 sharpshooters are associated with his operations. Approximately 70% of these shooters are from Punjab and Haryana, while the remaining 30% are from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Mumbai, Delhi, and other regions.
Lawrence’s network in Punjab and Haryana is particularly expansive, tracing back to connections formed during his early years in student politics in Chandigarh. His ties with influential student leaders from these states have laid a foundation for a strong presence in these regions, leveraging local expertise and influence.
In Haryana, key operatives like Kala Jathedi, Anil Rohil, and Rahul Baba lead various operations for the gang. Meanwhile, in Punjab, associates such as Goldy Brar, Vikram Brar, Anmol Bishnoi, Sachin Bishnoi, and others play significant roles. Members of the gang, many currently serving time in Punjab and Haryana prisons, recruit new shooters from jail. Investigations have shown that most gang shooters were first introduced to Lawrence’s associates while incarcerated, gradually becoming part of his extensive network.
A pattern has emerged among those recruited, often sharing backgrounds of youth, minor criminal offenses, economic hardship, and strained family situations. Many started with minor crimes and, after joining Lawrence’s gang in jail, were introduced to high-profile figures like Goldy Brar or Anmol Bishnoi. Upon release, they receive targets, funding, and weaponry. This modus operandi has been linked to numerous high-profile incidents, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, the killing of Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi in Rajasthan, and the firing outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence.
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav has expressed significant concern over the gang’s targeting of juveniles, stating that the Lawrence’s gang is increasingly recruiting teenagers by luring them with the promise of easy money, glamour, and fame. This trend poses a severe threat to both the youth and society.
The gang primarily relies on the Signal app for communication. Investigations and charge sheets reveal Lawrence and his associates use Signal extensively. Shooters involved in cases like the murder of Maharashtra politician Baba Siddique, communicated with Anmol through Signal, highlighting the app’s role in Lawrence’s operations.
Confessions of gang shooters in high-profile cases
On October 12, former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique was fatally shot in Bandra by Gurmel, a shooter from Kaithal, Haryana. During interrogation, Gurmel disclosed that he first connected with Lawrence’s associates in jail after being convicted of a 2019 murder. After his release, he moved to Mumbai, joining Lawrence’s network.
Zeeshan Akhtar from Shankar village, Jalandhar, played a key role in Siddique’s murder, managing logistics and reporting to Anmol. Known for involvement in target killings and robberies, Akhtar initially met Lawrence’s associate Vikram Brar in jail. Since then, he has been involved in a series of violent crimes across Punjab and Rajasthan.
On September 12, 2024, Nadir Shah, a gym owner and financier in Delhi’s Greater Kailash, was shot dead outside his gym. Naveen Balian, an associate from Sonipat, Haryana, was later arrested. He confessed to joining the gang in jail and collaborating with Lawrence’s associate Rohit Godara on the crime.
In April, shooter Kalu from Mahavirpura, Gurugram, was involved in a firing incident outside Salman Khan’s residence. Reports suggest Kalu was connected to Godara’s gang through jail contacts, later executing multiple crimes in Lawrence’s name.
Priyavrat Fauji, a notorious shooter from Sonipat, Haryana, fired the first shot in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022. A former wrestler and Indian Army recruit, Fauji entered Lawrence’s network after a murder conviction in 2015 and has since been involved in numerous crimes.
Ankit Sersa, also from Sonipat, joined Lawrence’s gang through jail contacts. After connecting with Monu Dagar, another gang member, he was pulled into Moosewala’s murder plot under Anmol direction.
Recent developments, including Lawrence’s interview from jail, have prompted legal action. The Punjab and Haryana High Court reprimanded Punjab police for allowing the interview, demanding an inquiry that led to the suspension of several officers.