The National Investigation Agency (NIA) declared alleged Lawrence gang operative Vishal Pachar an absconder in Sriganganagar, a day after the agency publicly labeled him as such. On Saturday, the NIA's Jaipur team beat drums, made announcements, and pasted posters with Pachar's name at public places across Sriganganagar.
Court Issues Non-Bailable Warrant
The posters stated that Pachar could not be traced and was not appearing in court. NIA officials said a special NIA court had issued a non-bailable warrant against Pachar, noting that he faced multiple serious charges, had long avoided court, and could not be traced by police. The court observed that he was evading summons or may have left the country.
Alleged Links with Pakistan Smugglers
The agency alleged that Pachar, known in the gang as Alex and also by the names Sardar Khan and SK, arranged weapons and drugs from Pakistan for the Lawrence gang. According to information cited by officials, Pachar obtained passport number U 3101090 from Jaipur on March 11, 2020, and fled India through Nepal in 2024 with the help of contact Rohit Godara.
Building a Network in Border Belt
The NIA alleged that the gang assigned Pachar to build a network in the Sriganganagar border belt because of his familiarity with the area. It claimed he established direct links with Pakistani drug and arms smugglers, created contacts in border villages, and later expanded the network into Punjab’s border region. The agency also alleged that Pachar brought his childhood friend Devendra Bhambhu, a fireman, into the gang. Packets dropped from Pakistan in deserted fields were allegedly collected and moved onward by Pachar.
First Offence at Age 13
Pachar’s name recently appeared for the first time in an NIA charge sheet. Officials said he committed his first offence at the age of 13, later surfaced in 11 incidents, and left the country about a year and a half ago. He is alleged to have links with major smugglers in Pakistan.
Reward and International Cooperation
Sriganganagar police have announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for information on him. Police said they are seeking Interpol assistance, have issued a lookout notice, and are pursuing a red corner notice. They said Pachar became closely associated with the Lawrence gang around 2022.
