On Monday, Canadian police issued a striking assertion.
During a recent press conference, allegations were made that agents of the Indian government are employing organized crime factions, specifically the Bishnoi group, to target leaders advocating for the pro-Khalistan movement, which seeks a distinct Sikh homeland within India.
Hours later, both nations took the significant step of expelling their top diplomats, a move that underscores the rising tensions stemming from the assassination of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil last year.
Delhi has rejected the allegations, labeling them as “preposterous” and accusing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of pandering to Canada’s significant Sikh community for political advantage.
Canadian authorities have identified Lawrence Bishnoi, a 31-year-old gangster from India, who has recently regained attention both at home and abroad.SA
Authorities in India report that a gang is purportedly connected to the assassination of a well-known politician in Mumbai over the weekend. Gunmen fatally shot 66-year-old Baba Siddique in close proximity to his son’s office. Authorities have taken three suspects into custody. A purported associate of Bishnoi has taken to social media to claim that the gang is responsible for the murder.
Bishnoi, once listed among India’s most wanted criminals, has been incarcerated since 2015 and is currently imprisoned in Gujarat, far from his home state of Punjab.
Despite the circumstances, law enforcement maintains that his bold impact continues to resonate. Bishnoi stands as the primary suspect in the high-profile murder case of Sidhu Moose Wala, the renowned Punjabi singer who was shot dead in close proximity to his village in October 2022.
In 2018, Bishnoi became widely known for issuing threats to Bollywood actor Salman Khan, alleging that Khan had poached two blackbuck antelopes, an animal held in high esteem by the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan, to which Lawrence is affiliated.
During his appearance in a Jodhpur court, he addressed the assembled media, stating, “Salman Khan will be killed here, in Jodhpur…” He will soon discover our true identity. Notably, Siddique, the slain politician, shared a close friendship with the Bollywood star.
In March of the previous year, a news channel broadcast two interviews featuring Bishnoi from within a Punjab jail, leading to a furious response from the high court, which subsequently mandated an investigation.
The circumstances surrounding how a high-security inmate conducted phone interviews from prison continue to perplex authorities and observers alike.
Federal investigators have determined that Bishnoi maintains control over a gang comprising 700 members spread across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi. This group is reportedly engaged in activities such as extorting celebrities, smuggling drugs and weapons, and executing targeted assassinations. According to police reports, Goldy Brar, a co-accused in the Moose Wala killing, is said to operate the gang remotely from Canada. Bishnoi is currently embroiled in over 30 legal cases, with 19 of them actively being heard in court.
“He manages his gang effortlessly from behind bars, operating without the need for constant coordination,” remarks Gurmeet Chauhan, a senior officer in Punjab’s anti-gangster task force. “In contrast to many gangsters who limit their operations to specific areas, he possesses a broader vision.”
Bishnoi was born into a wealthy family. In a village in Punjab, one family stands out as one of the richest, residing in a spacious bungalow that is enveloped by over 100 acres of land. His father, who previously served as a policeman, ultimately left his position to manage the family land, while his mother fulfills the role of a homemaker. The couple has two sons, Lawrence and Anmol, who are currently considered prime suspects in the murder of Moose Wala.
Ramesh Bishnoi, a relative, informed Jupinderjit Singh, a reporter for The Tribune and author of Who Killed Moose Wala, that Lawrence was named in honor of British officer Henry Montgomery Lawrence, who established the esteemed Lawrence School in the hill town of Sanawar.
Lawrence Bishnoi attended a convent school, where, in the eighth grade, he was already riding his bike and sporting expensive shoes—luxuries that were uncommon for the majority of his peers.
Mr. Singh describes him as an introverted figure who, despite his quiet demeanor, wielded undeniable influence in the community by assisting local children in need.
Upon completing his education in 2008, he relocated to a college in Chandigarh, where he swiftly engaged in the vibrant realm of student politics within the city. “He possessed wealth, charisma, and audacity,” a Chandigarh police officer remarked to Mr. Singh, illustrating the effortless way in which Bishnoi garnered followers. He became a member of a student organization, campaigned in the student elections, and faced a loss—an outcome he regarded with personal significance.
According to police records, this pivotal moment pushed him further into a realm of violence as he associated with former student leaders who had transitioned into criminal activities. Authorities report that Bishnoi’s name became associated with a series of brawls, arson, and gunfire incidents occurring on campus.
Punjab, the home state of Bishnoi, is currently plagued by gangs that are deeply involved in drug and weapon smuggling, extortion, and the local film and music industry. The rise of a cash-driven economy, underpinned by the drug trade, real estate ventures, and illicit liquor sales, has given rise to an ecosystem that intertwines criminal activity with Punjabi pop culture, according to numerous sources.
According to Mr. Singh, gangsters in Punjab are motivated by more than just the pursuit of wealth; they are driven by a profound need for notoriety and a desire to establish their identity in the world.
The relentless quest for fame can be traced back to the foundations of feudal and patriarchal societies. Social media is a powerful platform, enabling numerous gangsters to publicly display their lifestyles online.
It is also a platform for individuals to showcase their extravagant lifestyles, where criminal activity is frequently perceived as a shortcut to wealth and allure. The allure of this phenomenon has drawn both retired athletes and aspiring young talents from across Punjab into a troubling realm.
As of September, law enforcement officials have announced the dismantling of over 500 gangs and the arrest of more than 1,400 individuals associated with gang activities since the middle of 2021. In a series of confrontations with law enforcement, 16 gang members were reported dead, and more than 80 sustained injuries. Additionally, three police officers were killed, with 26 others injured in the violence. Police reports indicate that Bishnoi has been convicted in four cases; however, none of these convictions pertain to serious offenses such as murder.
Bishnoi, sporting a neatly trimmed beard and a hoodie that casts a shadow over his watchful eyes, frequently adopts the laid-back appearance typical of a young man. In high-stakes situations, he exhibits a keen ability to navigate and control his public persona. In a recent court appearance, he donned a T-shirt featuring the iconic image of Bhagat Singh, the esteemed Indian revolutionary.
A video that has gained significant attention shows a bearded gangster allegedly filmed in prison, stating, “There is a desire for revolution in our hearts.” We will assess the enemy’s strength. The precise interpretation of his statements needs to be clarified.
Bishnoi’s ascent is unprecedented. “Even while incarcerated, he seems to be orchestrating the activities of his gang.” Who is responsible for providing him with logistics or media access? “Such control would be unattainable without the support of influential allies,” states Mr. Singh. The task of distinguishing the individual from the legend continues to prove challenging.