Bio

Name- Balkaran Brar Aka Lawrence Bishnoi

DOB- 12-02-1993
Place- Fazilka district, Punjab

Balkaran changed his name to Lawrence inspired by British educationist and

administrator Henry Lawrence, the founder of The Lawrence School, Sanawar, but in
an interview with NDTV, Ramesh Bishnoi, cousin of Lawrence claims that the
parents named him after his grandfather as Lawrence.

Family
Father- Lavinder Bishnoi, was a constable in Haryana Police (ramesh bishnoi,
denies this claim, but according to Op India, Lavinder Bishnoi left the police force in
1997 and took up farming.)
Mother- Sunita Bishnoi
Siblings- Anmol Bishnoi
Cousins- Ramesh Bishnoi

Associates and gangs

Main Associates-

1. Ranjit Singh Dupla-

An arms dealer, currently believed to be in the US, who first met Bishnoi in the
Chandigarh jail in 2008. Dupla introduced Bishnoi to imported and sophisticated
weapons. He is believed to be the weapons supplier for the Bishnoi gang that is
allegedly involved in the killing of Nijjar.

Criminal Background and Early Activity

Dupla's involvement in crime traces back several years, with initial activities focusing
on the illegal distribution of foreign-made firearms across Punjab and other parts of
India. By 2014, his operations had expanded significantly, and he was implicated in a
massive weapons trafficking network, moving arms from international sources into
India's black market. The Punjab Police began investigating Dupla as part of a larger
crackdown on weapons smuggling, as his activities posed a substantial security
threat to the region. During this period, he was linked to multiple caches of imported,
high-grade firearms seized in Punjab (Hindustan Times, The Times of India )

Weapon Smuggling Network

Dupla’s network reportedly operates through a multi-layered smuggling chain that

sources weapons from countries with high gun availability, using contacts in Europe
and Southeast Asia. His operations utilise well-known trafficking routes, allowing
arms to flow into India through hidden channels often undetected. The seized
weapons from his network have been sophisticated, including foreign-made pistols
and assault rifles. This international network enabled him to evade detection for
years, establishing ties with other crime syndicates that served as logistics partners.

Arrests and Incarcerations

While Dupla has been arrested multiple times, he has managed to avoid long-term
incarceration. In 2018, after he was apprehended by the police, the Indian courts
declared him a "proclaimed offender," as he absconded while on bail. Despite this,
law enforcement agencies have found it challenging to maintain prolonged custody
due to his ability to slip out of the country, likely through connections that facilitate his
international movements. (The Times of India, Tribune India ).

Connection with the Bishnoi Gang

Ranjit Dupla is believed to be the chief weapons provider for the Bishnoi Gang.
(Hindustan Times)

Transnational Smuggling Operations

Dupla’s smuggling operations extend beyond Indian borders, with sources

suggesting he has established relationships with international arms traffickers. His
network includes contacts in countries where firearms are more accessible and
regulations less strict, allowing him to procure weapons for trafficking into India.
These transnational links have facilitated his access to high-value firearms that are
subsequently sold to criminal outfits, including the Bishnoi gang and others. This
cross-border network has made him one of the most wanted arms dealers in India,
prompting authorities to seek international cooperation to track and apprehend him.
(Tribune India).

Despite multiple attempts to dismantle his network, Dupla remains elusive. Recent
efforts by the Punjab Police and other agencies have led to the capture of several of
his associates and confiscation of arms, but Dupla himself remains out of reach.

2. Sampat Nehra-

Sampat Nehra was born and raised in a small town in Haryana. He was an aspiring
athlete, who came in contact with Lawrence Bishnoi when they were studying at
Khalsa College in Chandigarh and formed a group to support Robin Brar for the post
of president of the DAV college union. Sampat is alleged to have been involved in
the firing against the rival candidate (One Uday, last name- not available)., his
association with criminal activities is said to have begun there. Sampat was a key
enforcer of the Bishnoi group in Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. He was involved in
Extortion, Contract Killings and Gang Rivalries.

Notable Crimes
Assassination Attempt on Bollywood Actor Salman Khan: One of the most
sensational aspects of Sampat Nehra’s criminal career was his alleged involvement
in a plot to assassinate Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. On June 1 2024, 4
individuals with ties to the Bishnoi group were arrested, including Dhananjay alias
Ajay Kashyap, Gaurav Bhatia alias Nahvi, Waspi Khan alias Wasim Chikna, and
Rizwan Khan alias Javed Khan. As per reports, the accused Ajay Kashyap had
carried out a reconnaissance of Salman Khan's house and farmhouse. The
conspiracy to attack Salman Khan involved a person named Dogar in Pakistan, who
was contacted via video call and ordered weapons like AK-47.

Extortion and Threatening Businessmen: Nehra was actively involved in the gang's
extortion rackets, which targeted influential businessmen and wealthy individuals in
northern India.

Capture and Arrest

Sampat Nehra's arrest in 2018 marked a significant victory for Indian law
enforcement agencies. After extensive surveillance and coordinated efforts between
the Special Task Forces (STF) of Haryana, Rajasthan, and other northern states,
Nehra was captured in Hyderabad, Telangana. His capture was part of a larger
crackdown on the Bishnoi gang's operations, which involved dismantling its network
and capturing other key operatives. He

Details of the Arrest

Authorities used electronic surveillance and intelligence inputs to locate Nehra's
whereabouts. His movements were closely monitored, leading them to his hideout in
Hyderabad. At the time of his arrest, Nehra was found in possession of sophisticated
firearms, including imported pistols.

https://www.hindustantimes.com/gurgaon/how-dreaded-gangster-sampat-nehra-
who-wanted-to-kill-salman-khan-was-nabbed/story-
n09fgPFgWjuTMsRhXJYwbL.html )

3. Kala Jatheri-
Kala Jatheri, a high-profile gangster from Haryana, is closely associated with the
Bishnoi gang, and is a kingpin for the states of Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and
Punjab. Jatheri has been involved in various criminal enterprises, including extortion,
murder, kidnapping, and gun-running. His prominence within the underworld stems
from his strategic partnership with Lawrence Bishnoi (India Today,Hindustan Times)

Jatheri became especially infamous after his alleged involvement in the murder of
wrestler Sagar Dhankar. This murder was part of a feud involving Sushil Kumar, an
Olympic wrestler, who was arrested following the incident. Dhankar’s killing
highlighted the violent tactics of Jatheri’s syndicate, which often involves retaliatory
attacks, intimidation, and extortion to control territories and settle disputes.
(Hindustan Times, Outlook India)

The law enforcement crackdown on Jatheri's syndicate has revealed extensive arms
dealings, including sophisticated imported weapons, which were being smuggled in
with the aid of Ranjit Singh and Bishnoi. In one significant operation, on March 11th
2024, Delhi Police's Special Cell intercepted five sharpshooters Rahul, Parveen,
Rohtash, Mohan, and Sachin, linked to Jatheri’s group as they attempted a gangland
hit. Jatheri’s gang maintains a well-organised structure with sharpshooters and other
operatives, many of whom have extensive criminal histories. (One India, India
Today)

Haryana Police had increased the amount of reward declared on him to 7 lakhs.
Delhi Police has also imposed MCOCA on him. His first crime was in the year 2004,
a case of snatching was registered against Jathedi.

Arrest

Kala Jatheri’s arrest in July 2021 marked the end of an extensive, 10,000-kilometre
chase spanning 13 states and involved a well-coordinated operation led by Delhi
Police’s Counter Intelligence team, specifically the Special Cell under DCP Manishi
Chandra. Dubbed “Operation D-24,” this mission tracked Jatheri and his close
associate, Anuradha Chaudhary, who was also on the Rajasthan Police's most-
wanted list, across multiple states, including Gujarat, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.
The breakthrough came after police received intel from Goa, which set off a months-
long pursuit through complex technical and on-the-ground strategies.

In their final confrontation, Jatheri, disguised as a Sikh man, was apprehended near
the Sarsawa toll plaza in Uttar Pradesh while travelling in an SUV with Chaudhary,
alias “Revolver Rani.” Their arrest occurred as part of coordinated checkpoints and
vehicle tracking based on CCTV footage collected from multiple states, including a
significant lead obtained in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. ( Hindustan Times, Indian
Masterminds , Hindustan Times)

4. Anmol Bishnoi
The younger brother of Lawrence, Anmol alias Bhanu Sidhu came to the limelight for
his alleged involvement in the killing of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique
on October 12, 2024. Anmol used Snapchat to communicate with the shooters,
providing them with crucial information about Siddique and his family. (India TV
News, Mid-day). Additionally, Anmol was implicated in a shooting incident outside
Bollywood actor Salman Khan's residence earlier in April 2024, which was reportedly
instigated by him. (The Logical Indian, Mid-day). After this, he came into the
limelight. Anmol Bishnoi is also an accused in the Moosewala case. Last year, the
NIA filed a chargesheet against him, but during this time he fled the country by
making a fake passport. He usually keeps changing his location. Last year he was
spotted in Kenya. As of late October 2024, the National Investigation Agency (NIA)
has placed a ₹10 lakh bounty on Anmol's head, highlighting the seriousness of his
criminal activities and the urgency of his arrest. (The Logical Indian, Hindustan
Times). Reports suggest that he is currently operating from Canada, having fled
India using a fake passport. Anmol is believed to be deeply embedded in a network
that extends beyond Indian borders, coordinating with various criminal elements
while managing operations from abroad (The Logical Indian, Mid-day) .
Investigations have indicated that the gang has been involved in sourcing illegal
weapons and conducting operations across multiple states in India (India TV News,
The Logical Indian)

5. Kapil Sangwan
Kapil Sangwan Aka Nandu Born in Najafgarh, Delhi, Sangwan is implicated in
multiple criminal activities, including extortion, murder, and organised crime totaling
to 18 serious charges, including violations of the Maharashtra Control of Organised
Crime Act (MCOCA), indicating his deep involvement in criminal networks across
Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan. (Hindustan Times, KalingaTV). He has been
involved in high-profile murders, including that of Surendra Matiala, a BJP leader,
citing rivalry with another gangster, Manjeet Mahal. Sangwan managed to evade
capture until recently when Interpol issued a Red Notice against him. He is believed
to be hiding in the United Kingdom, continuing to manage his operations from
abroad. Reports indicate that he is part of a larger coalition of gangs, often referred
to as "Mahagatbandhan," which includes other notable gangsters like Neeraj
Bawana and Davinder Bambiha. This alliance facilitates a wide range of criminal
enterprises, from extortion to drug trafficking, across multiple states. (KalingaTV.)
A case has been registered against him under MCOCA. Sangwan is wanted in cases
like murder, attempt to murder, extortion, robbery and Arms Act.

6. Rohit Godara
Gangster Rohit Godara reportedly involving over 32 serious cases since
2010. His activities have included extortion demands ranging from ₹5 crore to
₹17 crore from various businessmen across Rajasthan (India Today,
Hindustan Times). He has been implicated in orchestrating the murder of Raju
Theth, another gangster, as a part of ongoing gang rivalries. (Hindustan
Times). Additionally, Godara has connections to the high-profile murder case
of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, where he allegedly provided logistical
 support to the shooters (StarsUnfolded).The high profile assassination of
Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, the president of the Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena,
in December 2023, brought Rohit to the limelight, issussing a Facebook post
asserting that the killing was motivated by Gogamedi's opposition to the
Bishnoi gang (India Today). In June 2022, amid increasing scrutiny, Godara
fled to Dubai using a fake passport. A red corner notice was issued against
him, and he is believed to have since relocated to Canada.
(https://hindi.news18.com/news/nation/baba-siddique-murder-lawrence-
bishnoi-gang-5-main-handler-rohit-godara-goldy-brar-kapil-sangwan-kala-
jatheri-anmol-bishnoi-8768872.html )

7. Goldie Brar
Satinder Singh alias Goldie Brar, originally from Muktsar, Punjab, is
considered close to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Brar moved to Canada in
2017 on a student visa. He is accused of being involved in the murder of
Youth Congress leader Gurlal Singh Pehalwan. He has been named one of
the top 25 most wanted fugitives by the Indian government. Goldie took
responsibility for the murder of Punjabi singer and Congress party leader
Sidhu Moosewala in Mansa, Punjab on 29 May 2022. His father Shamsher
Singh was an Assistant Sub-Inspector in the Punjab Police, who was given
compulsory retirement in the year 2021 after his name came up in the murder
case.

Gangs

1. Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang - Jagdip Singh aka Jaggu Bhagwanpuria, the

person whose name the gang takes. One of the gang's most infamous
incidents was its involvement in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu
Moosewala.Initially, Jaggu and Lawrence Bishnoi were allies in this high-
profile murder, but their relationship soured shortly afterward, leading to
intense rivalry and violent confrontations between their gangs (True Scoop,
 Hindustan Times). The gang has been implicated in multiple illegal
enterprises, including a recent weapon and drug smuggling racket. In
various police operations, members of the Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang have
been arrested with large caches of firearms and narcotics, revealing their
deep involvement in organised crime. In February 2024, six gang members
were arrested in Punjab, with police seizing twelve weapons and drugs from
their possession. Jaggu Bhagwanpuria has been linked to various terror-
funding cases too. Initially, both gangs collaborated, however, tensions rose
following the Moosewala murder, fueled by distrust and allegations of
betrayal. Reports indicate that members of both gangs have been killed in
retaliation for perceived disloyalties.

2. Babbar Khalsa International- A banned Khalistani militant organisation,

infamously bombed Air India Flight 182 from Montreal to New Delhi, using an
IED that destroyed the aircraft in Irish airspace, killing 329 passengers. NIA
sources claim the Bishnoi syndicate subsequently got associated with pro-
Khalistani elements due to their wide base across States, availability of
shooters and an easy availability of funds. But the recent killings of Nijjar
contradict these assumptions. Prominent associations are Goldie Brar alias
Satinderjit Singh, alias Satwinder who left India to run a syndicate and seek
sophisticated weapons, Harvinder Singh Sandhu, alias Rinda, through Lakhbir
Singh, alias Landa, who are pakistani and canadian based Khalistani
terrorists respectively.

3. Boxer-Gogi gang- Deepak Boxer, 27, is a resident of Gannaur in

Haryana, who was apprehended in Mexico. Boxer came to limelight
in 2016 when he freed gangster Jitender alias Gogi from police
custody in Haryana. Boxer was heading the erstwhile Gogi gang
after the former kingpin, Jitender Gogi, was killed inside the Rohini
courts complex in September 2021. Deepak was known for “using
chilli powder to distract police and then fire at them”. He has a
strong built and still likes to be called 'Boxer, ' police said. Deepak is
said to have had links with the Bishnoi Gang, acting as an operative
in the areas of Delhi NCR, UP, Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh.
(https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/deepak-boxer-delhis-most-
wanted-gangster-arrested-from-mexico/articleshow/99261788.cms?
from=mdr )

Other than these, Bishnoi is also said to have connections with the erstwhile
bahubali of Purvanchal, One Mukhtar Ansari, who was assassinated in 2024. Bishnoi
is alleged to govern 505 modules overseen by 10 main or ‘mother’ gangs led by
Lawrence Bishnoi; Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Sukhpreet Kahlwan; Harwinder Rinda;
Jaipal; Sunny Khwajke and Arshdeep Dala; Devinder Bambiha; Dilpreet Baba and
Landa Harike; Gurpreet Sekhon; Harry Chatha, Gopi Ghanshampuria and Aman
Jaito; Sukhpreet Budda and Lucky Patial.

Jails-
Bishnoi's criminal career began in Chandigarh between 2010 and 2012, where
several FIRs were registered against him for attempted murder, trespassing, assault,
and robbery.
Out of seven FIRs filed against him in Chandigarh, Bishnoi was acquitted in four,
while three cases remain pending.

Timeline-
2008- Burail Jail- time for Attempt to murder case, when he fired a revolver
against a rival candidate in college elections. Was released 2 months later. He
fired again at the winning candidate’s brother, for which he spent 6 days in jail.
2010- 2012- Chandigarh
2014- Bharatpur Jail,
2021- Tihar Jail (under charges related to the Maharashtra Control of Organized
Crime Act (MCOCA))
2023- Sabarmati Jail (Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad received custody of Bishnoi,
citing a case of drug smuggling)
Present- Sabarmati Jail, High Security cell.

Cases-
Salman Khan Threat Shiwar, 2018
Bishnoi's associate Sampath Nehra attempted an attack on Salman Khan, Bishnoi
later issued direct threats against Khan, stating that Khan would be killed in Jodhpur.
In November 2023, Bishnoi claimed responsibility for a shooting at actor-singer
Gippy Grewal's home due to his alleged association with Salman Khan.

Assassination of Sidhu Moose Wala, 2022

On 29 May 2022, Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala was assassinated in Mansa,
Punjab. Bishnoi's associate Goldy Brar claimed responsibility for orchestrating the
murder in coordination with Bishnoi. At the time, Bishnoi was in custody in Tihar Jail.
Bishnoi filed a plea in the Delhi High Court requesting protection from a possible fake
encounter by the Punjab Police. He later withdrew his petitions from both the Delhi
High Court and the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

Killing of Sukhdool Singh and Nijjar, 2023

On 21 September 2023, Bishnoi claimed responsibility for the killing of Sukhdool
Singh Gill (also known as Sukha Duneke), a Khalistani separatist in canada. This
killing also was followed by the killing of one Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani
separatist. The Canadian government blames the Indian government for having used
the Bishnoi gang as a front to assassinate Sukha Duneke and Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Assassination of Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, 2023

On 5 December 2023, Karni Sena President Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi was shot
dead in Jaipur. The Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the assassination through
Rohit Godara, a known gang member.

Killing of Baba Siddique, 2024

The Bishnoi gang took responsibility for the 12 October 2024 assassination of Baba
Siddique, a former Maharashtra Cabinet minister, citing his close relationship with
Salman Khan. Mumbai Police attempted to obtain custody of Bishnoi but were
rejected due to an order under Section 268 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Way of promoting recruitment- by social media.

Sources-
● https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/a-college-rivalry-leaves-
two-nations-in-a-diplomatic-row/articleshow/103944944.cms
● https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/crime/life-of-gangster-lawrence-
bishnoi-linked-to-baba-suddique-murder-salman-khan-shooting-1.9981752
● https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/this-village-in-punjab-still-
remembers-milky-7954593/
● https://www.opindia.com/2024/10/who-is-lawrence-bishnoi-the-rise-of-indias-
feared-gangster/
● https://www.newindianexpress.com/web-only/2024/Oct/23/the-life-lawrence-
bishnoi-leads-in-jail-and-the-irony-of-his-sabarmati-connection
● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hK91ynGdU5c
● https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/lawrence-bishnoi-whose-gang-shot-
sidhu-moose-wala-1955873-2022-05-30
● https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gqyxwl27no
● https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/who-is-lawrence-bishnoi-
sidhu-moosewala-killed-7943398/
● https://indianexpress.com/article/long-reads/lawrence-bishnoi-baba-siddique-
canada-salman-khan-9627848/
● https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/how-lawrence-bishnoi-fell-on-the-
wrong-side-of-the-law/article65489111.ece
● https://www.nsnews.com/local-news/bollywood-actors-home-reportedly-
targeted-in-west-vancouver-shooting-7927739
● https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/lawrence-bishnoi-sukha-
duneke-canada-shot-dead-winnipeg-8949659/
 ● https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/washington-post-says-amit-
shah-and-senior-raw-official-authorized-covert-operations-in-canada/
article68757847.ece

Other info-
● Sampat Nahra, president of SOPU, closest aide of bishnoi.

● During his student days, Bishnoi sought support from gangsters Jaggu
Bhagwanpuria and Rocky Fazilka. The association proved to be a turning
point not only in Bishnoi’s life but also for student politics in Panjab University.
Between 2010 and 2017, Bishnoi found himself accused in around three
dozen cases in Chandigarh and elsewhere in Punjab, Haryana and
Rajasthan.Bishnoi later worked closely with Gurlal Brar in student politics and
it was because of the former’s support that Brar was elected state president of
SOPU in 2016. However, these victories also intensified Bishnoi’s rivalry with
the Bambiha syndicate.

● A year later, a 25-year-old henchman of the Bambiha group, Lavi Deora, was
bumped off by the Bishnoi syndicate in Faridkot. Three years later, the
Bambiha gang got hold of Gurlal Brar outside a nightclub in Chandigarh and
killed him.

● After Brar’s murder, the Bambiha gang targeted Bishnoi’s close associate
Vicky Middukhera, who was shot dead in Mohali in 2021.