Jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s brother, Anmol Bishnoi, was arrested in California, USA, on Monday, according to media reports. Anmol, who fled India last year, has been accused in several high-profile cases, including the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique.
International Arrest and Extradition Efforts
The arrest follows Mumbai police’s recent proposal for Anmol’s extradition after the U.S. authorities confirmed his presence within their territory. In October, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch had approached a special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court to begin the extradition process.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had also announced a reward of ₹10 lakh for any information leading to Anmol’s capture. He is charge-sheeted in two NIA cases registered in 2022.
Criminal Background and Allegations
Anmol is implicated in multiple crimes, including:
- Murder of Baba Siddique: Siddique was fatally shot by three gunmen near his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique’s office, on October 12.
- Firing Outside Salman Khan’s Residence: Both Anmol and Lawrence Bishnoi were named in connection with a shooting incident near Salman Khan’s Bandra home in Mumbai on April 14. Responsibility for the attack was claimed by Anmol, and a lookout circular was issued against him shortly after.
Escalating Pressure on Bishnoi Network
Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious gangster already in custody, has been at the center of several high-profile investigations, with his network accused of orchestrating multiple violent crimes. Anmol’s arrest is seen as a significant breakthrough in dismantling the Bishnoi gang’s operations, both domestically and internationally.
Next Steps
India’s law enforcement agencies are expected to expedite Anmol’s extradition to bring him to trial for his alleged involvement in organized crime, including the Siddique murder. His arrest in the U.S. is being viewed as a critical step toward curbing cross-border criminal activities linked to the Bishnoi network.
Authorities hope Anmol’s return will provide crucial insights into ongoing investigations and strengthen cases against the Bishnoi gang.