Inside the Bishnoi Gang's Extensive Hit List Targeting Bollywood and Beyond
Recent investigations have uncovered a chilling pattern of threats and intimidation orchestrated by the notorious Bishnoi gang, targeting some of India's most prominent Bollywood figures and celebrities. The network's alleged hit list includes high-profile names such as Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Rohit Shetty, and the late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, among others.
Bollywood Stars in the Crosshairs
Multiple Bollywood actors and filmmakers have reportedly received threatening and extortion messages linked to the Bishnoi network. Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Rohit Shetty, and Aayush Sharma are among those identified as targets. In response to these alarming developments, security measures have been significantly tightened around these individuals, particularly following several firing incidents and online claims of responsibility.
The case of actor Ranveer Singh has drawn particular attention during ongoing investigations into extortion and threat messages aimed at celebrities. Law enforcement agencies are meticulously examining potential connections to gang operatives as part of a broader probe into intimidation attempts targeting public figures across the entertainment industry.
Violent Incidents and Security Responses
One of the most dramatic incidents occurred in April 2024 when shots were fired outside Salman Khan's residence in Mumbai's Bandra neighborhood. A social media post, purportedly from Anmol Bishnoi—brother of alleged gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi—claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as a warning to the Bollywood superstar.
Following specific threat intelligence, security arrangements for filmmaker Rohit Shetty and actor Aayush Sharma were thoroughly reviewed and substantially strengthened as a precautionary measure. Police authorities are actively investigating possible gang links behind these intimidation attempts directed at entertainment industry personalities.
The Sidhu Moosewala Murder Connection
The Bishnoi gang came under intense scrutiny following the tragic murder of popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, who was shot dead in Mansa, Punjab, in May 2022. Investigators subsequently arrested several Bishnoi gang members and identified Lawrence Bishnoi as the alleged mastermind behind the assassination plot.
This high-profile case highlighted the gang's expanding reach beyond Bollywood targets to include political figures. The murder of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui has also been linked to the network, signaling the organization's dangerous progression from celebrity intimidation to political violence.
International Operations and Cross-Border Threats
The gang's activities have demonstrated a troubling international dimension, with incidents reported in Canada targeting Punjabi entertainment figures. Gunshots were fired outside Punjabi singer-actor Gippy Grewal's residence in Canada, with Bishnoi-linked operatives allegedly behind this intimidation tactic.
Similarly, in 2024, shots were fired outside the Vancouver home of musician AP Dhillon. Canadian police indicated that this act was primarily intended to spread fear and facilitate extortion demands rather than cause direct physical harm to the artist.
Prison-Based Operations and Digital Coordination
Perhaps most concerning is the gang's ability to continue operations despite key members being incarcerated. Lawrence Bishnoi is alleged to run the network's activities from jail through trusted aides like Goldy Brar, coordinating threats and attacks across international borders using sophisticated digital communication channels.
This prison-based command structure has enabled the gang to maintain its extortion and intimidation campaigns while evading traditional law enforcement countermeasures, presenting unique challenges for security agencies attempting to dismantle the organization.