Bhopal Businessman Targeted by Notorious Lawrence Bishnoi Gang in Rs 10 Crore Extortion Plot
In a deeply alarming incident that has sent shockwaves through the business community, a prominent businessman from Bhopal's Kolar area has allegedly received a chilling death threat from the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The criminal syndicate demanded a staggering extortion amount of Rs 10 crore, threatening lethal consequences if the payment was not arranged promptly.
Threatening Calls and Audio Messages Escalate the Situation
According to detailed police reports, the 42-year-old complainant, who is involved in multiple businesses including jewellery and is known for his philanthropic activities, first received a WhatsApp call on the evening of March 18. The call originated from an international number, with the caller identifying himself as Hari Boxer, a notorious figure within the Lawrence Bishnoi network.
The caller explicitly stated, "Arrange the money, otherwise my men will come and finish you. The same fate that befell Baba Siddiqui will be yours as well." This direct reference to a previous victim heightened the severity of the threat. Initially, the businessman attempted to ignore the demand, but the situation escalated dramatically when he began receiving multiple follow-up calls and a series of threatening audio messages on his mobile phone throughout Friday morning.
Police Response and Investigation Launched
Fearing for his personal safety, the businessman formally approached the Kolar police station and lodged a comprehensive complaint. He urgently requested police protection, citing a clear and present threat to his life. Acting swiftly on the complaint, the Kolar police registered a formal case of criminal intimidation against the unidentified caller based on the mobile number provided.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Alok Shrivastava confirmed that an investigation is actively underway. "Police have registered a case and are searching for the unidentified accused on the basis of the mobile number," he stated. The investigation has taken a multi-pronged approach, with local police being joined by a specialized cyber crime team to trace the international numbers used in the threats and identify the perpetrators.
A Disturbing Pattern Emerges
This incident is not an isolated case but appears to be part of a wider, troubling pattern. In recent days, businessmen in other Madhya Pradesh cities, including Indore, Khargone, and Ashok Nagar, have reported receiving similar extortion threats in the name of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. However, this marks the first such case officially reported within the capital city of Bhopal, indicating a potential expansion of the gang's intimidation tactics.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang is a feared criminal organization known for its operations across India and beyond, often involved in extortion, contract killings, and other serious crimes. The use of international numbers complicates the investigative process, requiring coordinated efforts between local law enforcement and cyber experts.
The businessman remains under significant stress, and the case highlights the growing challenges faced by entrepreneurs regarding personal security and the audacity of organized crime networks attempting to exploit their success.
