College student to most notorious gangster: How Lawrence Bishnoi became don no.1

From controlling a gang in Punjab to eyeing dominance in Bollywood, Lawrence Bishnoi's dangerous criminal empire continues to expand. His involvement in high-profile murders and extortion has made him India's most notorious gangster.

In Short

• Bishnoi's gang allegedly linked to murder of Baba Siddique
• He orchestrated Sidhu Moose Wala's murder from jail
• Bishnoi aims to extend his influence into Bollywood

Lawrence Bishnoi, once a college student involved in campus politics, has risen to become one of India’s most notorious gangsters. His gang’s influence has spread from Punjab’s music industry to the streets of Mumbai.

Bishnoi, currently lodged in Gujarat's Sabarmati jail, is in news after the murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique in Mumbai. A man in Pune, Shubham Lonkar, claimed responsibility for the attack on behalf of the Lawrence Bishnoi group.

Bishnoi's rise to power began with campus politics, but over the years, he expanded his gang's operations, turning into a mastermind behind brutal killings, extortion rackets, and arms smuggling. The murder of famed Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala in May 2022 brought Bishnoi’s name to national attention, cementing his position as India’s most feared don.

SIDHU MOOSE WALA MURDER

It was on May 29, 2022, when Sidhu Moose Wala was gunned down by six shooters in Punjab’s Mansa district. The orders came from none other than Lawrence Bishnoi, who was locked up in Delhi's Tihar Jail at the time.

Investigation revealed that his associate Goldy Brar, operating from Canada, executed the murder plot. Funds for the killing — Rs 50 lakh — were transferred through hawala networks, showing the vast and international reach of Bishnoi’s gang.

Bishnoi got Moose Wala killed to avenge the murder of his close associate, Vicky Middukhera. After Middukhera’s murder, his associates believed that the rival Bambiha gang, along with some Moose Wala associates, were involved. This sparked tensions between the two gangs.

Seeking revenge, Bishnoi orchestrated a hit list of individuals he deemed responsible for aiding Middukhera’s killers. In September and October 2021, three shooters — Shahrukh, Danny, and Aman — were sent to track Moose Wala. Eventually, Moose Wala became the prime target, and on May 29, 2022, the shooters executed their plan, reporting the hit to Bishnoi through a phone call from inside jail.

Over time, it became clear that Lawrence Bishnoi, despite being imprisoned, had expanded his gang’s operations across India. Between 2018 and 2022, he purchased 25 firearms, including 9mm pistols and AK-47s, through his associates in Uttar Pradesh. These weapons were used not only in Moose Wala’s murder but in other crimes across the country.

AIMING FOR CONTROL OVER BOLLYWOOD

What makes Bishnoi’s story even more chilling is his growing focus on Bollywood. Following Moose Wala's murder, one of Bishnoi’s shooters, Saurabh, alias Mahakal, revealed to police that Bishnoi was intent on extending his criminal empire into Mumbai’s entertainment industry. His goal: to establish fear and dominance in Bollywood.

Panic spread through the entertainment industry when famous singer Yo Yo Honey Singh sought protection from the Delhi Police, following threats from Bishnoi’s gang. Similarly, Punjabi singer Sonu Thukral was sent chilling videos featuring guns and bullets, with threats against his life. This pattern of intimidation had Bishnoi's name etched deeply into the psyche of celebrities and businessmen alike.

EXTORTION AND SHOOTINGS

Extortion calls, gunfire at car showrooms and hotels, and growing fear have marked Delhi-NCR under Bishnoi’s gang. One incident at a car showroom in Naraina saw over 20 rounds fired, while a hotel in Mahipalpur was the scene of five rounds. These acts of violence are typically followed by phone calls demanding ransom.

In one instance, a trader received a call from Rohit Godara, a known Bishnoi associate, threatening him with dire consequences if extortion demands were not met.

The terror tactics employed by Bishnoi’s gang were also made evident in viral social media videos, including one where Bishnoi himself threatened illegal call centre mafia kingpin Kunal Chhabra, demanding Rs 5 crore in ransom. The video showed Bishnoi’s growing confidence, even as he remained behind bars.

LAWRENCE BISHNOI's HIT LIST

Lawrence Bishnoi’s criminal ambitions extend far beyond extortion and isolated killings. His hit list includes Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, who he has publicly stated he wants to kill over the blackbuck poaching case from 1998.

Additionally, several gangsters and individuals associated with the Bambiha gang, such as Shagunpreet (Sidhu Moose Wala’s manager), Mandeep Dhaliwal, and gangster Kaushal Chaudhary, have been named on Bishnoi's hit list, all accused of helping his enemies.

The gang rivalry between Bishnoi’s faction and the Bambiha gang has escalated, with each side seeking revenge for past murders. Bishnoi’s sworn enemies, such as gangster Lucky Patial and sharpshooter Rummy Masana, remain prime targets.

BISHNOI’s DOMINANCE FROM JAIL

From jail, Bishnoi continues to run his criminal operations with precision, using technology and alliances to spread fear across industries. His ambition is clear — expand his grip on the entertainment industry and beyond, leveraging his gang’s strength to control extortion, assassinations, and power.

As investigations into his network unfold, it becomes evident that Bishnoi has amassed a dangerous arsenal of weapons and a formidable crew of hitmen, solidifying his place as India’s most powerful don.