Mumbai, India

The recent killing of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique has once again brought Lawrence Bishnoi’s name into the headlines. Siddique, who had been a state minister in the Congress-NCP government between 2004 and 2008, was allegedly shot dead on Saturday night (Oct 12) due to his connections with top Bollywood star Salman Khan. 

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According to the viral post by a gang member, the murder was linked to the death of Anuj Thapan, who was involved in the shooting outside Khan’s home but died by suicide in police custody. It has been also connected to Dawood, politics, Bollywood, and property dealings.

The incident led to the arrest of two of the suspects, who revealed their connections to Lawrence Bishnoi's gang, according to the Mumbai Police. One of the Bishnoi gang members also posted on Facebook, claiming responsibility for the murder and threatening Salman Khan.

Also read | Shooters behind Indian politician Baba Siddique’s killing claim to be from Lawrence Bishnoi gang: Reports

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Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?

Born in 1993 in Punjab, Lawrence Bishnoi is a notorious gangster, linked with several high-profile killings in India. He grew up in Abohar and later moved to Chandigarh in 2010 to attend DAV College, where he met gangster Goldy Brar. They both were involved in politics and criminal activities. Between 2010 and 2012, Bishnoi faced seven FIRs in Chandigarh, four of which he was acquitted of. 

Bishnoi’s gang has been involved in various criminal activities including murder, drug trafficking, and extortion. The gang operates in north India and is known for connections to the underworld.

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In 2014, he was apprehended by Rajasthan Police, however, he continues to run his gang from the prison.

The gang is known for its revenge killings including the murder of Khalistani gangster Sukhdool Singh in Canada. Bishnoi has also been linked to the assassination of Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, a prominent leader in Rajasthan. 

In 2022, the gang once again gained attention when Goldy Brar took responsibility for Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala’s murder, calling it a revenge killing.

Also read | Baba Siddique murder updates: Third accused identified, to be arrested soon

Why is Bishnoi targeting Salman Khan?

Bishnoi is known for targeting Bollywood actor Salman Khan. The gang had openly threatened Salman Khan on various occasions. The gang is targeting Khan for the 1998 blackbuck poaching case when Khan allegedly killed a blackbuck during a film shooting. The Bishnoi community considers the animal sacred.

In 2014, multiple bullets were fired outside Khan’s Mumbai residence, after which the Mumbai police increased the security for him.

In 2018, his gang members were apprehended while plotting to murder Khan. In 2023, Bishnoi claimed responsibility for shooting outside actor-singer Gippy Grewal's home. The gang said it was due to his association with Khan.

During an interview last year, Bishoi said that Salman Khan had disrespected the Bishnoi community by killing a blackbuck, as per reports.

(With inputs from agencies)