News Brief
Anmol, Brother Of Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, Arrested In US; India’s Extradition Request In Limbo
Lawrence Bishnoi (Representative Image)
Anmol Bishnoi — the younger brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who runs a global criminal syndicate despite being in jail in Ahmedabad — was arrested in the United States, in the California capital of Sacramento last Thursday - for entering the country with illegal documents.
Anmol is wanted by Indian authorities for his alleged involvement in major cases, including the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and the recent killing of ex-Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique.
India has filed an extradition request for his custody.
Although apprehended by US authorities, Bishnoi’s arrest is unrelated to charges filed by the Indian government.
According to media reports, there is currently no chance of his extradition to India, despite Delhi’s plea earlier this month for his custody.
However, US officials have reportedly notified Indian authorities about Bishnoi's detention and the grounds for his arrest.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that he is currently held in Pottawattamie County Jail, Iowa.
Bishnoi frequently travelled between the US and Canada, where his brother's gang has influence, and is reportedly being investigated by the Canadian government.
Mumbai Police earlier this month submitted a proposal to the Central government requesting Bishnoi’s extradition.
This followed a Maharashtra court issuing a non-bailable warrant and Interpol circulating a Red Corner Notice against Bishnoi.
Hailing from Fazilka in Punjab, Bishnoi was earlier believed to be in Canada after fleeing India on a fake passport.
He also faces two cases filed by the National Investigation Agency - India's anti-terror unit.
The NIA has added Bishnoi in its most-wanted list and announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for his capture.
The Bishnoi gang gained notoriety following Moosewala’s murder and drew further attention after a shooting incident near actor Salman Khan’s residence on 14 April this year.
Following the shooting, security was increased at Khan’s home amid persistent threats issued in Lawrence Bishnoi’s name over the 1998 blackbuck case.
The gang is also under investigation for the assassination of politician Baba Siddique, known to be close to Salman Khan, last month.
In 2022, the Bishnoi brothers - among others - were accused of being part of a conspiracy to raise funds and recruit youth for "terrorist acts" in Delhi and other parts of the country.
