Bishnoi Gang's International Hideouts and Evolving Criminal Tactics
Police sources have disclosed that Subham Lonkar, a Pune resident and key associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, is believed to be hiding in Portugal. Lonkar is allegedly involved in masterminding the firing incident at filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Juhu bungalow, highlighting the gang's cross-border reach.
Shelter in Pakistan and Overseas Handlers
In a parallel development, Zeeshan Akhtar, another member of the Bishnoi gang, is reportedly under protection in Pakistan. Akhtar played a significant role in the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, according to investigators. He has allegedly been given shelter by gangster Harwinder Singh, also known as Rinda, who has links to terrorist activities in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir.
Authorities are also scrutinizing the roles of 'overseas handlers' Harry Boxer and Arzoo Bishnoi. These individuals are accused of guiding shooters and managing logistics for the gang. Arzoo's name appeared in a social media post released after the attack on Shetty's bungalow, while Boxer gained notoriety for issuing voice messages threatening actor Ranveer Singh.
Internal Rifts and New Alliances
Lawrence Bishnoi, currently incarcerated in Sabarmati jail in Ahmedabad, is facing internal discord within his syndicate. Police information indicates a rift emerged around mid-2025 between Bishnoi and his long-time associate Goldy Brar, who is hiding in the United States. Bishnoi reportedly felt betrayed when Brar did not assist him after his brother Anmol was arrested in the US.
As a result, Bishnoi has allegedly formed a new alliance with Noni Rana, the younger brother of Haryana-based gangster Kala Rana, alias Virendra Pratap. This partnership has led to Boxer being deployed in the US to oversee gang activities. Over recent months, Bishnoi and Noni have collaborated closely, with Noni's network making ransom and extortion calls to collect funds for Bishnoi.
Meanwhile, Goldy Brar has reportedly started working with Azerbaijan-based Rohit Godara, signaling a split that has created parallel factions within the syndicate. This division is altering command structures and operational methods, complicating law enforcement efforts.
Expanding Global Network and Recruitment Strategies
Investigators have identified Pakistan-based gangster Shahzad Bhatti as a known associate of the syndicate, suspected of moving between foreign locations. The gang's modus operandi has evolved significantly, relying on compartmentalized operations to enhance secrecy and efficiency.
Police sources explain that the gang recruits youths with minimal criminal backgrounds through platforms like Instagram, encrypted messaging apps, and online fan pages that glorify the Bishnoi network. Handlers assign isolated tasks—such as arranging vehicles, weapons, or safe houses—without disclosing the broader conspiracy, making it difficult for traditional police informers to infiltrate.
"Overseas handlers identify targets, issue instructions via digital mediums, arrange funding through hawala and cryptocurrency, and recruit shooters locally in India. This decentralized model allows the gang to operate globally while maintaining a low profile. Many foot soldiers involved in local operations are first-time offenders from economically weaker backgrounds," a police officer stated.
This sophisticated approach underscores the challenges faced by authorities in combating organized crime networks that leverage technology and international hideouts to evade capture.
