The police official claims that the accused is the subject of more than 15 egregious crime cases in several jurisdictions.

The Operation: Planned and Precise
Bishnoi Gang Operatives Arrested
Acting on credible intelligence, AGTF teams, under the supervision of AIG Sandeep Goel, intercepted the two fugitives as they traveled in a vehicle suspected to be carrying illegal weapons. The operation was swift, minimizing the chance of armed retaliation.
Upon searching the suspects, police recovered:
One Glock 9mm pistol (a prohibited bore weapon favored by organized crime groups for its reliability and concealability)
Six live cartridges ready for immediate use
The arrests took place without any exchange of fire, but sources confirm the suspects were prepared to resist if confronted.
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav later confirmed via an official statement that the two men had recently returned from Nepal, where they had been hiding after committing a murder in Fazilka. Foreign-based handlers had reportedly instructed them to re-enter Punjab to carry out a high-profile killing intended to send a message to rivals and law enforcement alike.
Profiles of the Accused
While police have withheld certain operational details for security reasons, preliminary information reveals that:
Both suspects are in their late 20s and hail from Punjab.
They are connected to over 15 criminal cases across Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
Offenses include murder, attempt to murder, extortion, arms trafficking, and conspiracy to commit targeted killings.
- Handlers thought to be based in Canada and the Middle East provided them with financial support and instructions, and they kept in close contact with the Lawrence Bishnoi network.
A Murder Trail Across States
The murder of Bharat Ratan, often known as “Vicky,” in Fazilka earlier this year is the most recent and well-known crime that connects the accused.The killing bore the hallmarks of the Bishnoi gang’s modus operandi: swift execution, multiple assailants, and the use of imported firearms.
This murder was allegedly a retaliatory strike in an ongoing gang rivalry involving the Bishnoi syndicate, the Bambiha gang, and other regional factions vying for dominance in northern India’s lucrative arms and narcotics markets.
Bishnoi Gang – A Criminal Empire
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has evolved from a small Haryana-based group into one of the largest organized crime networks in India. Over the past decade, it has expanded operations into:
Contract killings for political and personal disputes
Extortion rackets targeting businessmen, entertainers, and real estate developers
Narcotics smuggling through Punjab’s border with Pakistan
Arms trafficking involving both indigenous and foreign weapons
The gang is also infamous for its involvement in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022, a killing that brought unprecedented national attention to its operations.
Bishnoi Gang Operatives Arrested/Bishnoi Gang Operatives Arrested/Bishnoi Gang Operatives Arrested/Bishnoi Gang Operatives Arrested/Bishnoi Gang Operatives Arrested
Transnational Operations
A defining feature of the Bishnoi gang’s operations is its international footprint:
Fugitive members operate from Canada, Dubai, and Nepal.
The group uses encrypted communication channels and foreign bank accounts to manage funds.
It has ties with overseas criminal organizations involved in drug cartels and illegal arms supplies.
The current arrests further highlight how cross-border crime has complicated India’s internal security landscape.
Punjab’s Crackdown on Organized Crime
Punjab has been witnessing a multi-layered crackdown on gangsters since 2022, following a spike in targeted killings, extortion threats, and cross-border arms smuggling. Under the leadership of DGP Yadav:
There have been more than 463 gang-related arrests.
In Chandigarh alone, 647 live rounds, 392 knives, and 196 firearms had been found.
Coordinated efforts with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have led to multiple raids on Bishnoi-linked operatives in Rajasthan and Haryana.
This latest arrest is part of a larger pre-Independence Day security sweep, with police increasing surveillance on highways, border points, and suspected gangster hideouts.
Foreign Handlers and Planned Crime
Sources within the AGTF told reporters that intelligence indicated a plot to eliminate a prominent individual in Punjab—likely a rival gangster or a high-profile businessman who had refused to pay extortion money. The plot’s timing, close to Independence Day, raised concerns over possible public panic and instability.
The suspects’ travel to Nepal and return into India without detection has prompted discussions about tightening border security protocols, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, which share porous borders with Nepal.
Community Impact and Fear Factor
The Bishnoi gang’s activities have created a culture of fear in certain regions of Punjab and Haryana. Businessmen have reported receiving extortion calls demanding payments ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹50 lakh, often with threats of violence.
The gang has also leveraged social media to project an image of power and fearlessness. Members frequently post photos with weapons, flashy cars, and coded threats—tactics designed to recruit young, impressionable individuals into their ranks.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
The suspects have been booked under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Arms Act. Investigators are also exploring charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), given the alleged involvement of foreign-based conspirators.
The immediate next steps will include:
Interrogation to extract intelligence on other gang members operating in Punjab.
Tracing financial transactions linked to extortion and arms purchases.
Coordinating with NIA and Delhi Police Special Cell for cross-state follow-ups.
Statements from Officials
Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav:
“These arrests are a testament to our commitment to dismantling organized crime in Punjab. The Bishnoi gang’s network operates across borders, but our coordination with national agencies ensures we stay ahead of their plots.”
AIG Sandeep Goel:
“The operation was intelligence-driven and executed with precision. Recovering a Glock pistol from the accused shows the kind of firepower these gangs try to acquire.”
Conclusion: A Message to Organized Crime
The arrest of these two Bishnoi gang operatives is more than just a successful police operation—it is a clear message that Punjab will not be a safe haven for organized crime. While the gang’s network remains vast and dangerous, each arrest chips away at its influence.
With Independence Day approaching, the operation also reinforces the state’s preparedness to safeguard public safety during national celebrations. However, experts warn that as long as gangs like Bishnoi’s have foreign sanctuaries and financial pipelines, the battle will require constant vigilance, tighter borders, and international cooperation.
External link:2 Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Operatives Arrested in Punjab; Pistols & Ammunition Recovered
Read more Punjab news on SBKI News