The Mumbai Crime Branch is facing significant challenges in securing the custody of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, currently lodged in Sabarmati Central Jail, Gujarat. Despite his involvement being suspected in several high-profile cases, including a firing incident at Salman Khan’s residence, police efforts to bring him to Mumbai have been unsuccessful.
On Sunday, the Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, with arrested shooters also confessing to being part of the gang. Mumbai Police is actively investigating the case and Bishnoi’s potential role in the killing.
The key hurdle in transferring Bishnoi to Mumbai is an order from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), issued under Section 268 (1) of the CrPC, which restricts the movement of high-profile prisoners to prevent law-and-order disruptions. This order, initially valid until August 2024, has now reportedly been extended.
Bishnoi was shifted to Sabarmati Jail from Delhi’s Tihar Jail in August 2023, in connection with a cross-border drug smuggling case. Despite being incarcerated, his gang continues to operate under the leadership of wanted members Anmol Bishnoi, Goldy Brar, and Rohit Godar, all based abroad.
The Bishnoi gang has also threatened Salman Khan, citing the actor’s involvement in the blackbuck poaching case—a species revered by the Bishnoi community. In past incidents, they fired outside Khan’s residence and warned that anyone supporting the actor or the Dawood Ibrahim network would face consequences.
