Lawrence Bishnoi's Fugitive Brother Anmol Detained In US; Extradition Process in High-Profile Criminal Cases Underway

Anmol Bishnoi, the fugitive brother of jailed Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was detained in California, US, on Monday (18 November), following a joint operation between Indian and American authorities.

Anmol, who has been on the run since fleeing India in 2023, is a key figure in the criminal network associated with the Bishnoi gang, which has been linked to multiple high-profile crimes across India.

According to sources from the Mumbai Crime Branch, Anmol Bishnoi may first be transferred to Canadian authorities for questioning in connection with the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, before potentially being extradited to India.

If handed over to India, Anmol would face numerous charges in connection with murder, attempted murder, and other violent criminal activities. Anmol has been on India’s most-wanted list due to his alleged involvement in numerous high-profile crimes, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022 and an attempted shooting incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence.

The criminal network linked to the Bishnoi gang, notorious for its alleged involvement in contract killings and organized crime, grew increasingly influential in India after Anmol’s brother, Lawrence Bishnoi, was arrested. Lawrence Bishnoi, a central figure in India’s organised crime world, is currently imprisoned in Gujarat on charges related to drug trafficking and other violent crimes.

The Mumbai Police Crime Branch recently began the extradition process for Anmol Bishnoi, in addition to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) announcing a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to his capture. Anmol’s arrest marks a significant development in India’s efforts to dismantle the Bishnoi gang’s operations, which have spanned multiple countries, including Canada and the US.

Anmol Bishnoi initially fled to Canada last year using a fake passport. In July, a Mumbai court issued a non-bailable warrant against him as his criminal activities continued to escalate. Besides his alleged role in Sidhu Moosewala’s murder, authorities have linked Anmol to the recent killing of former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique. Investigations revealed that Anmol communicated directly with the shooters involved in Siddique’s assassination. Two suspects have already been apprehended, while one suspect remains at large.

In addition to murder charges, Anmol is also implicated in a recent attack on Salman Khan’s residence. According to police reports, Anmol allegedly delivered a nine-minute speech encouraging the attackers to “create history.”

Anmol’s detention follows mounting pressure from Indian law enforcement agencies, with both the NIA and the Mumbai Police pursuing coordinated efforts to bring him to justice. If extradited, he will face prosecution in at least 18 criminal cases, including those registered by the NIA.

Lawrence Bishnoi, Anmol’s elder brother, has been a prominent figure in organized crime for nearly a decade, maintaining influence even while in custody. His leadership reportedly extended to coordinating criminal activities and directing gang operations from prison.