Vaidehi Bhargava
Lawrence Bishnoi, a name that has become synonymous with fear and controversy in India, is one of the most infamous gangsters in recent history. His life, riddled with crime and a growing list of charges, traces back to his early days in Punjab. Bishnoi is not just notorious for his involvement in organized crime but also for the threats he issued to one of Bollywood’s biggest superstars, Salman Khan.
Born in 1992 in the Ferozepur district of Punjab, Lawrence Bishnoi hailed from a well-off family belonging to the Bishnoi community, which is known for its commitment to the environment and wildlife preservation. Ironically, Bishnoi’s descent into the world of crime would eventually lead him to develop a reputation for ruthlessness, a stark contrast to the peaceful nature of his community.
His criminal activities began during his college days when he became involved in student politics. Bishnoi attended Chandigarh University, where he was drawn into campus politics, eventually joining the Students Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU). It was here that Bishnoi first encountered the underworld, and his involvement in local disputes marked the beginning of his association with crime.
Bishnoi’s influence grew rapidly as he climbed the ranks of organized crime. Initially, his operations were limited to Punjab, but his network soon expanded to Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Over the years, Bishnoi was implicated in numerous criminal activities, including extortion, robbery, and murder. His gang, known for its violent methods, would extort money from businessmen, celebrities, and politicians.
His arrest in 2017 under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) did little to curb his influence. Even from behind bars, Bishnoi was able to direct his gang’s operations. His name was linked to multiple high-profile cases, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022, which escalated his notoriety across the country.
One of the most shocking moments in Bishnoi’s criminal career came when he publicly threatened Salman Khan, one of India’s most beloved film stars. The origins of the rivalry date back to 1998, when Khan was involved in a blackbuck poaching case during the filming of Hum Saath-Saath Hain. The blackbuck is a sacred animal to the Bishnoi community, and Bishnoi took this offense personally.
In 2018, while in jail, Bishnoi declared that he would kill Salman Khan. This threat was not taken lightly. Bishnoi’s gang member, Sampat Nehra, even attempted to execute the plan but was apprehended before he could carry it out. The Bollywood star was provided with enhanced security following these developments. The rivalry between Bishnoi and Salman Khan became a national headline, with reports suggesting that Bishnoi’s gang continued to monitor Khan’s movements and plan attacks.
Lawrence Bishnoi’s criminal empire has been under constant scrutiny by law enforcement agencies. Despite multiple arrests and being incarcerated in various jails, Bishnoi continues to be a powerful figure in the criminal underworld. His gang is still active, with many of its operations coordinated remotely. As of 2024, he is implicated in over 30 cases, including murder, extortion, and arms smuggling.
The murder of Sidhu Moose Wala was a significant development in Bishnoi’s criminal trajectory. Moose Wala, a prominent Punjabi singer, was gunned down in May 2022, and the police investigation quickly revealed the involvement of Bishnoi’s gang. While Bishnoi denied direct involvement, his gang’s connection to the murder was undeniable, bringing immense public and media attention to his criminal activities.
Lawrence Bishnoi’s journey from a student leader to one of India’s most feared criminals is a grim reflection of how crime can also make you rise the echelons across different genres. His rivalry with Salman Khan, rooted in cultural and personal vendetta, has added a layer of infamy to his criminal image. Today, Bishnoi’s criminal network remains a challenge for law enforcement, as he continues to wield power from behind prison walls. His story is a testament to the complexities of the criminal underworld, where power and violence reign supreme.