Gangster Linked to Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Shot in Police Encounter in Sriganganagar
A 27-year-old gangster associated with the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang was shot and injured in a dramatic police encounter during a pre-dawn chase in Sriganganagar on Thursday. The incident occurred after the accused allegedly opened fire on a police team at a highway blockade, prompting a retaliatory response from law enforcement.
Details of the Encounter and Accused
Sriganganagar Superintendent of Police Hari Shankar provided critical insights into the case. The accused has been identified as Sanjeev, also known by aliases Chaddar and Sanju Bishnoi, a resident of Rohidawali in the district. According to Shankar, Sanjeev is a wanted criminal with a history of involvement in serious offenses, including multiple extortion cases. "The primary information indicated that the accused is an active member of the gang. He was involved in past shootings for extortion, and even Thursday he came with the same purpose," Shankar stated, highlighting the gang's ongoing criminal activities.
Officials revealed that approximately 10 criminal cases, primarily centered around extortion, are registered against Sanjeev across various police stations. This underscores his significant role in organized crime networks operating in the region.
How the Encounter Unfolded
The encounter took place around 3 am on the Suratgarh bypass bridge, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Sadar police station. A police team had set up a blockade based on specific intelligence inputs regarding suspicious movement in the area. As Sanjeev approached the bridge on a motorcycle, he spotted the police barricade and attempted to flee the scene.
When police officers moved to intercept him, he allegedly opened fire at the team, triggering an immediate retaliatory response. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, a bullet struck Sanjeev in his right thigh, causing him to fall onto the road. Police quickly overpowered him and rushed him to the district hospital for medical treatment, where he is currently undergoing care. As a precautionary measure, a heavy police presence has been deployed around the hospital to ensure security.
History of Violent Crimes
Investigators detailed Sanjeev's extensive criminal background, which includes several violent incidents. In January 2022, he was allegedly involved in a firing outside Tantia Hospital at Sukhadia Circle. This attack was carried out on the directions of Sachin Thapan, a cousin of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, as part of an extortion bid targeting individuals or businesses.
Additionally, Sanjeev has been linked to another firing incident at a businessman's house located on the Sriganganagar-Hanumangarh highway. In that case, shots were fired to demand ransom, further illustrating his involvement in coercive and violent criminal activities aimed at financial gain through intimidation.
Ongoing Investigation and Implications
Police authorities have confirmed that further investigation is underway to uncover more details about Sanjeev's connections and criminal operations. This encounter highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat organized crime gangs like the Lawrence Bishnoi network, which have been implicated in numerous extortion and violence-related cases across Rajasthan and other regions.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by police in tackling such gangs, which often use firearms and intimidation tactics to carry out their illicit activities. As the investigation progresses, more information may emerge regarding the broader network and its operations, potentially leading to further arrests and disruptions of criminal enterprises in the area.
