New Faces of Terror Targeting Bollywood Emerge: Inside the Split That Turned Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar into Deadly Rivals
The Bishnoi gang, once a unified syndicate, is no longer what it used to be. Following a massive internal rift over the deportation of Anmol Bishnoi, the organization has fractured, revealing a new power structure. This shift was starkly highlighted by the recent firing incident at director Rohit Shetty's residence in Juhu, Mumbai, which points to emerging leaders taking charge of the gang's operations.
Evolution of the Bishnoi Gang's Leadership
Over the years, deportations, arrests, and rivalries have significantly altered the key personnel calling the shots in the Bishnoi gang. This syndicate has been targeting Mumbai city, with a particular focus on Bollywood, for the past two years. Initially, the extortion empire was helmed by incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, his younger brother Anmol, and college friend Goldy Brar, who operated from outside.
However, the latest social media post claiming responsibility for the firing outside Rohit Shetty's home on Sunday showcases newer names asserting control while emphasizing the unity of the one and only Bishnoi gang. This post mentioned individuals such as Shubham Lonkar, Aarzoo Bishnoi, Hari Boxer, and Harman Shandu. Notably, in the murder of cloth merchant Sanjay Verma in Punjab last year, a similar post cited Lonkar, Bishnoi, and Goldy Dhillon, indicating a pattern of shifting allegiances.
Historical Context and Key Incidents
When the first instance of firing occurred outside actor Salman Khan's Bandra residence in April 2024, Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar were at the forefront, with figures like Maharashtra-based Shubham Lonkar not yet prominently involved. Police investigations revealed messages between Lonkar and Lawrence, where Lonkar extended birthday wishes, hinting at early connections.
The social media post at that time named the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, Goldy Brar, Rohit Godara, and Kala Jathedi. In the Mumbai police chargesheet, Lawrence was identified as the main conspirator, with Rohit Godara also assigned a role, while Anmol and Lonkar were notably absent.
In the attack on NCP Leader Baba Siddique six months later, which resulted in his death, the social post highlighted Anmol Bishnoi, who was then in Canada, executing instructions from his incarcerated brother. Anmol was deemed the mastermind in this case, with the chargesheet naming him as the primary conspirator, excluding Lawrence.
The Split and Its Consequences
An official disclosed that relations between Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar had been strained. In 2025, the gang split after Lawrence believed that Brar mishandled the legal case involving his brother Anmol, who had been detained by US authorities in November 2024. Lawrence alleged that the bail bond amount was not paid, leading to Anmol's deportation to India in November 2025. Anmol is currently imprisoned in Tihar Jail.
As a result of this split, influential members like Rohit Godara aligned with Brar. Since then, the gang war between the two factions has escalated, resulting in at least three killings between October and December last year, spanning from California to Dubai to Chandigarh, with both sides vowing revenge.
Rise of New Leaders
With both Bishnoi brothers incarcerated, the role of individuals like Shubham Lonkar has become crucial. Lonkar, who assisted in arranging shooters for the Baba Siddique case, is now playing a major part in operations. Alongside him, others such as Aarzoo Bishnoi, Hari Boxer, and Goldy Dhillon are actively carrying out gang activities.
Profiles of Key New Figures
- Shubham Lonkar: Based in Akola, Lonkar has risen through the ranks as the gang split and the brothers were imprisoned. Once disappointed by not being recruited into the army, he was introduced to Bishnoi to work for the country. He arranged for men involved in the Baba Siddique killing from his dairy shop in Pune and is suspected to be hiding in China. Lonkar claimed responsibility for the Rohit Shetty firing and facilitated the arrest of the accused.
- Aarzoo Bishnoi: Also known as Naveen Kumar, he is a long-term associate of Lawrence Bishnoi from Rajanwali village in Punjab. Suspected of operating from abroad, he has multiple cases related to illegal weapons. An audio clip claimed his involvement in the Rohit Shetty firing, and last month, he made an extortion call to singer B Praak.
- Hari Boxer: Alias Hari Chand Jaat, this Rajasthan-based boxer-turned-gangster was a boxing coach in Jaipur. Booked in numerous cases of extortion, robbery, and attempted murder across Rajasthan, Punjab, and Delhi, he hails from Narayanpur and was disowned by his parents after turning to crime. Believed to be operating from abroad since 2022, he is close to Godara but faced an attack in California allegedly plotted by Godara.
- Goldy Dhillon: Real name Gurpreet Singh, from Rajpura in Punjab, he is suspected to be hiding in Germany while managing the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in India. Motivated by Brar to join in 2022, he stayed with the Bishnoi faction after the split. Dhillon claimed responsibility for the shooting at comedian Kapil Sharma's restaurant in Canada and faces several cases.
This restructuring underscores the evolving threat to Bollywood, with new faces emerging in the wake of internal conflicts and law enforcement pressures.
