Anmol Bishnoi, younger brother of incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and one of India’s most-wanted fugitives, is on his way back to India after being deported from the United States. His return marks a significant breakthrough for Indian law enforcement agencies pursuing him in multiple high-profile criminal cases, including murder, extortion, and attacks on prominent public figures.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) formally informed the family of slain Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique that Bishnoi had been “removed” from American soil. A screenshot of the DHS communication, shared by Siddique’s family, stated: “This email is to inform you that ANMOL BISHNOI has been removed from the United States… The offender was removed on November 18, 2025.”

According to officials, Bishnoi is expected to land in Delhi on Wednesday, and authorities are preparing to take him into formal custody immediately upon arrival. He will be interrogated regarding his involvement in multiple crimes, including the murder of Baba Siddique, the April 2024 firing outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s Bandra residence, and the May 2022 assassination of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moosewala.

Fugitive Timeline and International Flight

A native of Punjab’s Fazilka district, Anmol Bishnoi had been on the run since fleeing India in 2021 using a forged passport. Investigators say he first traveled to Nepal, then moved through Dubai and Kenya before eventually reaching the US, where he was last publicly seen at an event in Bakersfield, California, in April 2023.

His arrest earlier this year by US authorities on charges related to his fake passport set the stage for his deportation. Bishnoi was lodged in Pottawattamie County Jail, Iowa, while the deportation process was finalized.

Baba Siddique’s son, Zeeshan Siddique, a former legislator, highlighted the significance of Bishnoi’s deportation for the family. “After learning that Anmol Bishnoi was in the United States, we registered as victims of crime with various US departments. We used to receive regular notifications regarding Anmol, and on November 18, 2025, we were informed that he had been removed from US soil,” Zeeshan said. He added that Indian authorities must now arrest and interrogate Bishnoi to uncover the motive behind his father’s killing and other attacks linked to the Bishnoi gang.

Criminal Cases and Alleged Activities

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has designated Anmol Bishnoi as one of India’s most-wanted criminals, offering a reward of ₹10 lakh for information leading to his capture. In India, he faces at least 18 criminal cases, including conspiracy to murder Baba Siddique.

Investigators have also linked him to the April 2024 attack outside Salman Khan’s Bandra home, which authorities allege was orchestrated under the direction of the Bishnoi syndicate. His alleged role in the Sidhu Moosewala murder remains a key case, with agencies claiming he coordinated the killing while operating from abroad.

Officials describe Anmol as the principal overseas agent for Lawrence Bishnoi, managing the syndicate’s operations, directing extortion rackets, issuing threats, and coordinating assignments through encrypted communication channels. “His presence abroad helped the syndicate build links with criminal groups across West Asia, East Africa, and North America,” a senior NIA officer said on condition of anonymity.

Links to Pro-Khalistan Networks and Global Operations

The Bishnoi gang, according to investigators, maintains connections with pro-Khalistan elements in countries including Canada, the US, Nepal, and Pakistan. Anmol Bishnoi and his associate Goldy Brar are believed to have been instrumental in fundraising and planning criminal operations, spanning extortion, weapons smuggling, targeted killings, and other acts of terror.

The NIA’s March 24, 2023, charge sheet details the network’s overseas operations. Bishnoi, alongside his brother Lawrence and associates like Darmanjot Kahlon alias Darman Singh, was said to manage the gang’s finances and logistics from the US, coordinating high-profile criminal acts with international reach.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also been probing the gang under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), investigating allegations that proceeds from criminal operations were laundered through domestic and international channels.

Strategic Importance of Bishnoi’s Return

Authorities believe that Bishnoi’s return could unlock critical information about the global operations of the Bishnoi syndicate, potentially reshaping ongoing investigations into murder, terror, and extortion. “With his deportation confirmed, we are now preparing to take his formal custody,” the NIA official added.

The agency expects that detailed interrogation of Bishnoi could provide leads on accomplices, overseas links, and networks used to coordinate criminal activities. His cooperation may also shed light on the syndicate’s financial structure and reveal the extent of their collaboration with pro-Khalistan groups.

Public Safety and National Security Implications

Bishnoi’s deportation is seen as a major step in reinforcing national security, particularly in addressing organized crime networks operating across borders. Officials underscore that his presence in India is critical to curbing criminal syndicates that threaten public figures, entertainers, and social leaders, as well as maintaining law and order.

Zeeshan Siddique highlighted the broader implications, emphasizing that Bishnoi remains a threat to society. “He is an Indian citizen, so he should be brought back to India. The Mumbai Police must interrogate him to uncover the full extent of his criminal network and prevent further violence,” he said.

Looking Ahead

The arrival of Anmol Bishnoi in India is expected to be closely monitored by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the NIA, Mumbai Police, and ED. His interrogation will likely play a decisive role in ongoing investigations related to high-profile murders, terror financing, extortion, and other cross-border criminal activities.

Analysts note that Bishnoi’s return could trigger a series of arrests and disruptions within the Bishnoi gang and affiliated networks, particularly given the gang’s global reach and connections to pro-Khalistan operatives. The intelligence gathered from Bishnoi may also aid in preventing future attacks and dismantling operational structures that enable international criminal enterprises.

As the nation waits for his arrival, authorities are emphasizing vigilance, preparedness, and the enforcement of the rule of law to ensure that justice is delivered swiftly and comprehensively. Bishnoi’s deportation marks a significant victory in India’s ongoing battle against organized crime and serves as a reminder of the reach and persistence of law enforcement agencies in tackling fugitives operating abroad.

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