Jaipur/New Delhi: Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who was recently deported from the United States and arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), faces 22 criminal cases in Rajasthan, police officials confirmed. His arrest marks a significant breakthrough in dismantling the transnational operations of the Bishnoi gang.
Early Criminal Record and Arrest History
Anmol Bishnoi’s criminal activities date back several years. He was first arrested in Rajasthan on March 4, 2017, by Jodhpur’s Sastrinagar police in a case involving firing and extortion at businessman Ritesh Lohia’s residence, under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Arms Act.
By July 14, 2017, he had been booked in five additional cases in Jodhpur, including incidents of firing and extortion, as well as the murder of businessman Vasudev Israni at his shop in Sardarpura on September 18, 2017.
From 2018 to 2021, Anmol was lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail for the trial of the Israni murder case. Despite incarceration, authorities recovered mobile phones and SIM cards from him, revealing that he was running extortion and blackmail operations from within jail.
One notable case filed during this period was at Jodhpur’s Ratanada police station in 2020 under the Rajasthan Prison (Amendment) Act, 2015. Additionally, he was named in an extortion case in Sridungargarh, Bikaner, in 2021, while still in custody.
Fugitive Period and International Operations
After securing bail in 2021, Anmol fled India using a fake passport, identifying himself as Bhanu Pratap from Rohtak, Haryana, and established a base in the United States. From abroad, he continued to coordinate criminal activities, maintaining contact with his brother Lawrence Bishnoi and gang associates.
During this period, Anmol was named in multiple high-profile cases:
- Firing, extortion, and murder cases in Rajasthan from 2021 to 2024.
- Murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala on May 29, 2022.
- Murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique on October 20, 2024.
He was also implicated in at least seven cases in Jaipur, including the G Club firing case in January 2023 and two attempted-murder cases in Ramnagariya and Jawahar Circle in 2022. Other cases post-escape include four in Sriganganagar and three in Hanumangarh.
In March 2024, the Rajasthan Police announced a bounty of ₹1 lakh each on Anmol and gangster Goldy Brar.
NIA Investigation and Custody
The NIA, which took Anmol into custody immediately upon his deportation, confirmed that he had been absconding since 2022 and is the 19th accused arrested in connection with the Lawrence Bishnoi-led terror syndicate.
The agency stated:
“Anmol Bishnoi actively aided designated terrorist Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi in the commission of various acts of terrorism in India during 2020–2023. Operating closely with gang associates, he continued to run terror syndicates and execute acts from the US, providing shelter, logistic support, and coordinating extortion in India from foreign soil.”
Investigations by the NIA have revealed that Anmol played a key role in bridging the gang’s transnational networks, facilitating the operations of shooters and other ground operatives while abroad.
He has been remanded to 11 days NIA custody, during which authorities aim to interrogate him on the gang’s operational structure, international links, funding channels, and involvement in high-profile cases.
Police Statements and Future Proceedings
The Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) of AGTF and ATS, Dinesh MN, stated:
“We will coordinate with the NIA and Delhi Police to bring Anmol to Jaipur for interrogation in the aforementioned cases during his fugitive period.”
The arrest underscores the growing reach of organized crime networks and their ability to operate internationally, with implications for law enforcement coordination between India and other countries.
As the NIA and Rajasthan Police continue their investigations, Anmol Bishnoi’s detention is expected to strengthen pending cases against him and provide critical insights into the Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s nationwide and transnational criminal activities.
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