The Rise of Lawrence Bishnoi: From Student Politics to Organized Crime
NEW DELHI: Incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has become one of India's most controversial and closely monitored criminal figures in recent years. His name consistently emerges in connection with threats, extortion attempts, and violent incidents allegedly targeting high-profile celebrities both within India and internationally. Despite being confined to a jail cell, investigative agencies assert that Bishnoi's extensive network continues to operate through associates spread across multiple Indian states and foreign nations.
As numerous actors, filmmakers, and singers face alleged threats from individuals claiming affiliation with his gang, this comprehensive account details who Lawrence Bishnoi is, his background, the criminal cases against him, and the expanding list of celebrities who have reportedly been targeted.
Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?
Lawrence Bishnoi originates from Punjab and first gained prominence during his university years, where he was actively involved in student politics. Investigators claim that during this formative period, he began establishing alliances that eventually evolved into what law enforcement describes as a sophisticated organized criminal network.
Over the years, Bishnoi has faced multiple criminal cases involving:
- Murder and attempted murder
- Criminal conspiracy
- Extortion
- Violations under the Arms Act
Law enforcement agencies allege that his syndicate has expanded significantly, with operatives functioning in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Maharashtra, along with reported international connections. Authorities maintain that even while in custody, Bishnoi has maintained influence through coded messages, intermediaries, and digital platforms. Several of his associates have been arrested in various cases, while others are reportedly operating from outside India.
High-Profile Targets: Bollywood Under Siege
Salman Khan: The Longstanding Target
The hostility between Lawrence Bishnoi and superstar Salman Khan dates back to the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. The Bishnoi community reveres the blackbuck, and Bishnoi has publicly expressed anger over the incident in past interviews. Recently, an unidentified person threatened to blow up Khan's car and assault him at his Bandra residence, sending the message via the Mumbai Traffic Police's WhatsApp helpline.
Police registered a case under Section 351(2)(3) for criminal intimidation and significantly tightened security around his home. Threats against the actor have escalated dramatically over the years. In April 2024, shots were fired outside his Galaxy Apartment residence in Mumbai, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry and prompting the Mumbai Police to strengthen his security cover.
Bishnoi had earlier demanded an apology from the actor, accusing him of bringing shame to the Bishnoi community. Following repeated threats, the Maharashtra government provided Khan with Y+ category security. In several social media posts attributed to the gang, warnings to Salman Khan have been direct and explicit. One post following a firing incident abroad challenged him to "save" those close to him, intensifying concerns about the safety of individuals associated with the actor.
Ranveer Singh: Ransom Demand via Voice Note
Actor Ranveer Singh, known for his recent film 'Dhurandhar: The Revenge,' allegedly received a WhatsApp voice note demanding Rs 1 crore in ransom. The message was sent to his manager's phone number. According to police sources, the voice in the message reportedly belongs to Harry Boxer, described as a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi.
Early findings by the Mumbai Crime Branch suggested that the voice resembled Boxer's, though forensic verification is currently underway. The voice note has been sent for forensic examination, with officials stating they are awaiting a final report before taking further legal action. Investigators also revealed that a VPN network was used to send the threat, and the traced digital footprint points to a foreign location.
The Crime Branch has sought assistance from Interpol to trace the exact origin of the message. Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh's security has been increased, and statements from his manager have been recorded. This threat came shortly after the firing incident outside Rohit Shetty's residence, leading investigators to examine whether there is a coordinated pattern of intimidation targeting high-profile Bollywood personalities.
Rohit Shetty: Firing Outside Juhu Residence
In a chilling development, two motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly fired multiple rounds outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty's Juhu residence, "Shetty Tower," in the early hours of February 1, 2026. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Shortly after the incident, a social media post surfaced from accounts linked to alleged gang operatives Shubham Lonkar and Aarzoo Bishnoi.
The post, written in Hindi, openly claimed responsibility for the firing and included a direct threat: "This is just a small trailer. If he doesn't listen, the next bullets won't be outside the house—they will be inside his bedroom, into his chest." The message continued with a warning to the entire Bollywood industry to "mend your ways or your condition will be worse than Baba Siddique's."
The Mumbai Police launched a large-scale investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and deploying forensic teams. This incident echoed previous high-profile shootings linked to the gang.
Aayush Sharma: Extortion Email
Actor Aayush Sharma, brother-in-law of Salman Khan, also reportedly received an extortion demand via Proton Mail. The demand came just a day after Ranveer Singh's alleged threat. Police officials stated that the cyber cell is working to trace the sender of the email, with an FIR expected to be registered following verification of details.
Authorities have advised Aayush Sharma to remain vigilant and seek protection if necessary. His manager's statement has been recorded, and police sources confirmed that multiple celebrities have received threats in recent weeks. The Crime Branch has invoked provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against members of the Shubham Lonkar faction of the gang.
Pawan Singh: Warning Over Salman Khan Association
Bhojpuri star Pawan Singh has allegedly received threats from unidentified callers claiming to be members of the Bishnoi gang. According to police, Singh was warned against sharing the stage or screen space with Salman Khan. The complaint was filed by Singh's manager, who reported receiving repeated threatening calls.
The caller allegedly warned that Singh would face severe consequences if he continued professional association with Salman Khan. The Mumbai Police confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that appropriate action would follow an inquiry.
International Incidents and High-Profile Cases
Kapil Sharma: Repeated Firing at Café in Canada
In Canada, comedian Kapil Sharma's café in Surrey was attacked for the third time. Unidentified gunmen fired multiple shots at the establishment, though no injuries were reported. A social media post attributed to individuals linked to the Bishnoi network claimed responsibility for the attack, with earlier posts having similarly taken responsibility for firing incidents at the café.
One widely circulated post allegedly read: "Aaj jo Kapil Sharma ke Kap's Café, Surrey mein firing hui hai, iski zimmedari Goldy Dhillon te Lawrence Bishnoi gang leti hai... next karwai jald hi Mumbai mein karenge." Surrey Police Service confirmed it was investigating reports of gunfire at the café, located in the Newton area.
Gippy Grewal: "Warning Shots" in Canada
Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal reportedly faced a firing incident at his White Rock, Vancouver residence in 2023. The Bishnoi group allegedly claimed responsibility via a Facebook post, describing the shots as "warning shots" to convey a message to Salman Khan. The post reportedly stated that Grewal was being "warned" for praising Salman Khan and that the gang would "challenge him to protect his brother."
Canadian authorities confirmed a firing incident but have yet to publicly confirm the alleged involvement of the Bishnoi network. No injuries were reported, but the event heightened concerns about public safety and the reach of organized crime into overseas communities.
Sidhu Moosewala Case
The murder of Punjabi singer-politician Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022 remains one of the most high-profile cases linked to the Bishnoi gang. Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar claimed responsibility for the killing. In a BBC documentary, Brar stated: "In his arrogance, he (Moosewala) made some mistakes that could not be forgiven. We had no option but to kill him."
The Punjab Police has maintained that there was no evidence linking Moosewala to gang-related crimes, though rivalries between gangs were cited as a motive.
Baba Siddique Murder: Bishnoi Gang Allegedly Targeted
Maharashtra MLA and former minister Baba Siddique was shot dead outside his son Zeeshan Siddique's office in Bandra, Mumbai. The incident is reportedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has been known to target high-profile figures connected to Bollywood and politics.
A social media post, allegedly by Shubuu Lonkar of the Bishnoi gang, claimed responsibility, stating: "Salman Khan, we did not want this war, but you harmed our brother. Baba Siddique's chapter has closed today... We have no enmity with anyone, but whoever helps Salman Khan and the Dawood gang will have to settle their accounts."
The Mumbai Crime Branch has registered a case at Nirmal Nagar Police Station (Crime No. 589/2024), including sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, and Maharashtra Police Act.
