In a significant development for Indian law enforcement, Anmol Bishnoi, one of the nation's most-wanted fugitives, was brought to New Delhi on Wednesday afternoon. His extradition from the United States marks a critical breakthrough in multiple high-profile criminal investigations spanning several states.
Who is Anmol Bishnoi?
Anmol Bishnoi is the younger brother of the incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and a pivotal figure within the notorious Bishnoi crime syndicate. Hailing from Fazilka in Punjab, Anmol allegedly managed the gang's operations remotely from abroad after fleeing India in 2022. He is implicated in at least 31 criminal cases across Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab.
His alleged crimes are severe and varied, including coordination of extortion rings, targeted shootings, and providing logistical support for gang operations. Investigators have linked him to the conspiracy behind the murder of former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique in 2024, as well as the shooting at the residence of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan.
The Path from the US to NIA Custody
Anmol Bishnoi's international run came to an end due to a flawed asylum application in the United States. He had entered the country using a fake passport under the alias "Bhanu". US immigration authorities eventually uncovered the forged documents attached to his plea.
A court in Louisiana rejected his application. With an active Red Corner Notice issued by Interpol against him, the legal pathway for his stay in the US collapsed. He was subsequently deported on a chartered flight and immediately taken into the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) upon his arrival in the Indian capital.
A Web of Crime and a Blow to the Syndicate
Authorities view Anmol's arrest as critically important for dismantling the Bishnoi gang's structure. Despite his brother Lawrence being jailed in Gujarat's Sabarmati Central Jail, the syndicate remained active, with Anmol acting as a remote commander from overseas.
His alleged responsibilities were vast. The NIA states he provided shelter and logistics to shooters, managed extensive extortion networks, and coordinated with designated terrorist Goldy Brar. He is also a key accused in the 2022 murder of popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.
Investigators believe his custody will provide unprecedented access to the gang's funding channels, international recruitment patterns, and the complete network linking overseas planners to ground operatives. As the alleged main plotter in multiple attacks, his arrest is expected to significantly weaken the command structure of the entire Bishnoi criminal syndicate.
