A widening investigation by the Punjab Police has uncovered a dangerous new alliance between Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the deep-rooted criminal network of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Authorities believe the Pakistani spy agency is leveraging the gang's established infrastructure to recruit operatives and stage terror attacks across Punjab and other Indian states.
The New Terror Nexus
Investigations following the recent bust of a terror module indicate that an ISI handler used the powerful gang's existing web to cast a wide net for recruitment. This provided ready access to individuals willing to carry out terror-related activities. The probe has revealed that the gang's extensive network, both inside and outside jails, has become a valuable asset for the enemy spy agency.
A senior police official confirmed, "It is suspected that the ISI handler, with the help of the Bishnoi gang, managed to cast a wide net in Punjab and other states. The Bishnoi gang already has a set network inside and outside the jail, and therefore they could easily provide the enemy's spy agency with men who would execute crime and terror attacks on behalf of ISI handlers."
Arrests and Key Connections
The police have made several arrests linking the module to high-profile crime figures. One of the key suspects, Ajay from Haryana, was arrested for his connection to Pawan, the brother of Harry, who was implicated in the 2024 shooting at filmstar Salman Khan's Mumbai residence. Police allege that Ajay connected with the alleged ISI handler, Jasvir alias Jassa Chaudhary, through Pawan.
While Chaudhary is the alleged primary handler, most of the other arrested accused do not have direct links to him. Those arrested include:
- Shamsher Singh of Ferozepur
- Ajay of Haryana
- Ram Lal of Rajasthan
- Deepak alias Deepu of Rajasthan
- Harsh Ojha of Bihar
Investigators state that these individuals were reportedly reached through several mediators, illustrating the layered and complex nature of the network.
Evidence of Attack Planning and UAPA Invocation
Authorities have recovered alarming evidence confirming the suspects were actively planning attacks. Videos of target locations were found on the mobile phones of the accused, indicating they had conducted detailed reconnaissance of places where they were instructed to execute terror attacks using hand grenades.
In a significant development, the police have been moving aggressively to dismantle the entire network. On Thursday night, the Ludhiana police apprehended two men from Rajasthan, Ram Lal and Deepak, in a cross-firing incident. Both sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Earlier, in a coordinated effort with the counter-intelligence force, police first arrested Shamsher Singh, recovering two Chinese hand grenades from him. This was followed by the arrests of Ajay and Harsh Ojha. The official also revealed that ISI handlers had allegedly used the arrested men from Rajasthan to smuggle firearms into Punjab.
Highlighting the seriousness of the terror links, a senior Ludhiana police official confirmed that investigators are adding sections of the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to the existing first-information report (FIR).
