Anmol Bishnoi, one of India’s most wanted fugitives and a key figure in the Lawrence Bishnoi criminal syndicate, was deported from the United States and taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) upon arrival in Delhi on Wednesday afternoon. His return to India marks a significant development in multiple high-profile criminal investigations, including the murder of former Maharashtra minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique.

Background: The Deportation

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed Anmol Bishnoi’s deportation on Tuesday, informing the family of Baba Siddique that Bishnoi had been removed from American soil. In an email shared by Siddique’s family, DHS stated: “ANMOL BISHNOI has been removed from the United States… The offender was removed on November 18, 2025.”

Upon landing in Delhi, Anmol Bishnoi was immediately arrested by the NIA. Officials stated that Bishnoi, who has been evading Indian law enforcement for over a year, will now face charges related to multiple criminal cases pending against him, including conspiracy to murder Baba Siddique.

Who is Anmol Bishnoi?

Anmol Bishnoi is the younger brother of Lawrence Bishnoi, the notorious gangster currently serving a sentence at Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Despite Lawrence’s incarceration, the Bishnoi gang continues to operate globally, maintaining links with organized crime networks across West Asia, East Africa, and North America.

Anmol is a central figure in the syndicate’s overseas operations. Acting as Lawrence’s principal handler abroad, he has been responsible for coordinating criminal activities, issuing threats, and directing extortion rackets through encrypted communication channels. Law enforcement agencies have also linked him to operations run in association with pro-Khalistan groups, including the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), highlighting the international reach of the network.

In addition to his alleged involvement in Baba Siddique’s murder, Anmol is believed to have orchestrated other high-profile crimes. He claimed responsibility for firing outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence in April 2024, an incident that led the Mumbai Police to issue a lookout circular against him. Investigators have also linked him to the May 2022 murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala, further cementing his position as a dangerous international criminal operative.

Involvement in Baba Siddique’s Murder

Investigations have revealed that Anmol Bishnoi played a direct role in the murder of Baba Siddique, which took place outside Siddique’s son Zeeshan’s office in Bandra East on October 12, 2024. According to NIA officials, Bishnoi maintained active contact with the shooters via Snapchat, using the alias ‘Bhanu’.

A senior NIA official told HT that Bishnoi’s overseas presence was critical to the syndicate’s operations. “His presence abroad helped the gang build links with criminal groups across West Asia, East Africa, and North America. With his deportation confirmed, we are now preparing to take his formal custody,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

Bishnoi’s ability to coordinate activities internationally enabled the gang to continue operations despite Lawrence Bishnoi’s incarceration, underscoring the organized and transnational nature of their criminal network.

Fugitive Status and International Pursuit

Anmol Bishnoi, a native of Punjab’s Fazilka district, had reportedly fled India using a forged passport, initially exiting the country through Nepal before moving through Dubai and Kenya and eventually reaching the US. His fugitive status made him one of the most wanted criminals in India, with a reward of ₹10 lakh offered by the NIA for information leading to his capture.

While in the United States, Bishnoi was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for using a fake passport. He was lodged at Pottawattamie County Jail in Iowa, where he remained in custody until the deportation process was completed. His detention in the US ultimately paved the way for his return to India to face prosecution for multiple serious crimes.

Implications for Law Enforcement

The deportation and subsequent arrest of Anmol Bishnoi is a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts to dismantle transnational organized crime networks. Law enforcement agencies have emphasized that Bishnoi’s capture will aid in ongoing investigations into several high-profile criminal cases, including assassinations, extortion, and terror-linked activities orchestrated by the Bishnoi gang.

Officials have also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in apprehending fugitives. Bishnoi’s arrest underscores the growing collaboration between Indian agencies and foreign authorities, particularly in matters involving forged documents, international travel, and cross-border criminal operations.

The Larger Bishnoi Network

The Bishnoi gang, under Lawrence and Anmol Bishnoi, has maintained a notorious reputation in India for its involvement in multiple murders, attempted assassinations, and organized extortion rackets. The syndicate is widely recognized for its structured hierarchy, global connections, and use of encrypted digital platforms to coordinate criminal activities.

Anmol Bishnoi’s role as a key operative abroad allowed the gang to maintain operational continuity, even while its leader, Lawrence, remained incarcerated. Investigators have also noted the gang’s attempts to leverage international criminal alliances to expand its influence and protect its members from prosecution.

Next Steps

Following his arrest, Anmol Bishnoi will be formally taken into NIA custody, where he is expected to face interrogation regarding his involvement in Baba Siddique’s murder and other criminal activities. Investigators will also examine his international links, methods of operation, and any potential accomplices within India and abroad.

The NIA has reiterated that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure that justice is served, and the arrest of Anmol Bishnoi sends a strong message to criminal networks attempting to operate across borders.

In conclusion, the deportation and arrest of Anmol Bishnoi represents a crucial breakthrough for Indian law enforcement. By bringing one of the most wanted fugitives back to the country, authorities are poised to advance investigations into a range of violent crimes, dismantle elements of the Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate, and reinforce the importance of international cooperation in combating organized crime.