In a surprising turn of events, a viral photograph of incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has sparked a dangerous fashion trend across Rajasthan, leading to police intervention and multiple arrests. The phenomenon, dubbed the "Lawrence Jacket" trend, has taken social media by storm, prompting authorities to take strict action against those promoting criminal culture.
Police Crackdown on Illegal Merchandise
The Kotputli-Behror police made significant headway in curbing this trend on Tuesday when they arrested three individuals involved in selling replicas of the distinctive black-and-orange jacket worn by Bishnoi during a court appearance. The arrested men have been identified as Krishna alias Guddu Sharma (38), Sanjay Saini (31), and Sureshchand Sharma (50).
According to police reports, the arrests occurred at City Plaza in Kotputli town, where authorities confiscated 35 jackets bearing the gangster's name. Superintendent of Police Devendra Kumar Bishnoi confirmed that the operation was conducted following specific directives from police headquarters aimed at preventing the glorification of criminals and gangsters.
How the Operation Unfolded
The police operation was meticulously planned and executed under the supervision of ASP Nazim Ali and Circle Officer Rajendra Kumar Burdak. The Kotputli team, led by SHO Rajesh Kumar Sharma, conducted raids after gathering crucial intelligence about individuals involved in selling merchandise branded with Bishnoi's name.
Police sources revealed that the photograph that ignited this concerning trend was originally taken between 2017 and 2018 during one of Bishnoi's court appearances. The image recently resurfaced on Instagram, quickly gaining traction and inspiring numerous young people to imitate the gangster's distinctive style.
Police Concerns and Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials have expressed serious concerns about the trend, labeling it as "dangerous" for normalizing criminal behavior and fueling fascination with gang culture. A senior police officer emphasized, "We have in the past acted against social media users who glorify gangsters. This is how these criminal groups draw impressionable youth into their network."
The police have launched a comprehensive inquiry to identify others involved in the sale or promotion of such items. Surveillance on social media platforms has been intensified to detect content that idolizes Bishnoi or his gang members.
Rajasthan police have reiterated their warning that glorifying or promoting gangsters in any form, whether through social media or other means, will attract strict legal action. The authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to prevent the romanticization of criminal elements in society.
