In a significant development aimed at countering the activities of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, US authorities have informed the Mumbai Police about the presence of Anmol Bishnoi (25), the younger brother of Lawrence, in the United States, The Indian Express reported. In response, the Mumbai Police have initiated the process to seek Anmol’s extradition, with the Crime Branch filing a request in a special court last month.
Police representatives on October 16 informed the court of their intention to pursue extradition in connection with the house firing incident involving actor Salman Khan, according to a senior official from the department.
With Lawrence currently incarcerated, Anmol is believed to have orchestrated major operations, including the shooting outside Khan’s residence in April. His name has also emerged in connection with the recent murder of NCP (Ajit Pawar) leader and former MLA Baba Siddique, where he allegedly communicated with the shooters, IE reported.
Recently, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to Anmol’s capture. The agency reported that Anmol has 18 criminal cases against him, including involvement in providing weapons and logistical support for the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022.
An official revealed that Anmol was identified as a wanted suspect in the chargesheet related to the Salman Khan case, prompting the issuance of a Red Corner Notice. The official stated that based on the Red Corner Notice, the US authorities alerted them a few months ago about Anmol’s presence in the country.
While it remains unclear if Anmol is currently in U.S. custody, officials indicated that his potential whereabouts have been tracked. Following a miscellaneous application filed last month, the court granted the police permission to proceed with the necessary paperwork.
The Mumbai Police have submitted relevant documents to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which will coordinate with the Ministry of External Affairs to liaise with U.S. authorities. If the extradition is approved, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch will assume custody of Anmol.
Interestingly, the Mumbai Police have yet to secure custody of Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently detained in Sabarmati prison, Gujarat.
Additionally, the alert regarding Anmol Bishnoi gains importance amid recent allegations from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which claimed that “agents” of the Indian government were collaborating with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to instigate terror activities in Canada. The Indian government has vehemently denied these claims, labeling them as “preposterous.”
Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent actions concerning an alleged plot to assassinate pro-Khalistan separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun adds another layer to this situation. As reported by The Indian Express on October 18, Vikash Yadav, charged by the U.S. with murder-for-hire and money laundering related to the Pannun case, was arrested by the Delhi Police Special Cell in an extortion case linked to Lawrence Bishnoi.