In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into a terror conspiracy, a Delhi court on Saturday extended the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) custody of gangster Anmol Bishnoi by seven more days. The move comes amid serious allegations linking Bishnoi to a terror conspiracy allegedly orchestrated at the behest of his jailed brother, Lawrence Bishnoi, the notorious gang leader.

The order was passed by Special Judge (NIA) Prashant Sharma at the Patiala House Court. The hearing took place at the NIA headquarters following a plea by Bishnoi, through his counsel Advocate Rajani, claiming threats to his life and requesting enhanced protection during court proceedings. Bishnoi’s application highlighted that certain social media accounts were reportedly posting threats to his life. He sought directives from the court to provide bulletproof transport and security measures while moving from the NIA headquarters to the court, as well as a comprehensive security audit to assess potential risks.

During the hearing, NIA prosecutors initially requested a 10-day custody remand for Bishnoi, submitting the application in a sealed cover. However, Bishnoi’s counsel opposed the extension, arguing that the NIA already had all necessary evidence and that no further interrogation or recoveries were required. In the previous hearing, when remanding him for 10 days after his extradition from the USA, the court had emphasized the need for a detailed investigation into his role in the alleged conspiracy. The areas identified included his involvement in planning and executing crimes, sources of funding, the modus operandi employed, and the use of social media accounts by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang for terror activities in India.

The NIA’s plea underlined that Bishnoi was part of a transnational criminal syndicate, operating both in India and abroad, connected to the militant group Babbar Khalsa International. According to the agency, the syndicate was involved in recruitment, raising funds, and carrying out terrorist acts, including targeted killings intended to spread terror and further the organization’s objectives.

Specifically, Anmol Bishnoi is accused of managing financial transactions for the gang, providing logistical support, coordinating with foot soldiers, and facilitating extortion and violent acts. The NIA also highlighted that he is implicated in 11 criminal cases across 11 police stations, underlining the scope and seriousness of his alleged criminal activities.

Advocate Rajani countered the NIA’s arguments, asserting that all investigative material was already in possession of the agency and that Bishnoi was willing to cooperate without requiring further remand. The counsel also emphasized that the charges were largely based on circumstantial evidence and that no new interrogations were necessary.

Bishnoi, who had been absconding since 2022, is the 13th co-accused apprehended in connection with the terror syndicate led by Lawrence Bishnoi. He was chargesheeted by the NIA in March 2025, following investigations that indicated his active role in supporting terrorist activities carried out by Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi between 2020 and 2023.

The case also links Bishnoi to several high-profile crimes, including the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, the shooting incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence in Bandra, and the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. These incidents underscore the gang’s violent reach and the severity of Bishnoi’s alleged involvement.

The extension of custody enables the NIA to continue interrogating Bishnoi regarding the broader conspiracy, the financial networks of the gang, recruitment of operatives, and coordination of terror-related activities. The agency’s continued investigation aims to dismantle the gang’s operational network, both domestically and internationally, and prevent future acts of violence and terrorism.

The case highlights ongoing challenges faced by Indian law enforcement agencies in tracking transnational criminal syndicates and underscores the critical role of the NIA in investigating and curbing terror conspiracies. With Bishnoi now in NIA custody, authorities are positioned to deepen their probe into the syndicate’s operations, its connections with international terrorist groups, and its efforts to recruit and radicalize individuals within India.