NCP leader Baba Siddique was shot dead in Mumbai by three assailants reportedly associated with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang on Saturday. Following the incident, the police arrested two of the suspects, who confessed during interrogation to their connections with Bishnoi's criminal organization. 

Many people outside law enforcement are perplexed by how such a murder could occur, particularly given Baba Siddique's influence. Despite this, 31-year-old Lawrence Bishnoi has been implicated in several high-profile crimes, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and alleged attempts on the life of Bollywood actor Salman Khan.

Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?

Lawrence Bishnoi, born in 1993 in Punjab, has a background deeply intertwined with crime. After his father, a police constable, left the force, Bishnoi pursued his education in Chandigarh. It was here that he is said to have met Goldy Brar, a gangster now based in Canada. He earned his LLB but soon found himself immersed in a world of crime, accumulating over two dozen cases against him, including murder and extortion.

Rise in Criminal Activities

Bishnoi's criminal life accelerated between 2010 and 2012 when he gained notoriety for a variety of offences in Punjab. He faced seven FIRs in Chandigarh, of which he was acquitted in four. The remaining cases are still pending in the court. Despite multiple arrests, he maintained his criminal network, forming alliances with other gangsters while incarcerated. His violent reputation grew with high-profile incidents, including the alleged assassination of political rivals and involvement in the liquor trade. In 2014, an armed encounter with Rajasthan police led to his arrest, but he allegedly continued to orchestrate criminal activities from behind bars, utilizing communication methods to coordinate with his gang.

Targeting of Salman Khan

One of Bishnoi’s most infamous targets has been Bollywood actor Salman Khan, whom he allegedly threatened due to Khan's involvement in the Black Buck hunting case. In 2018, associates of Bishnoi were caught plotting to kill Khan. Recent developments have seen further arrests related to threats against the actor, indicating the ongoing tension surrounding this feud. In 2023, Bishnoi claimed responsibility for the shooting at actor-singer Gippy Grewal's home, allegedly due to his association with Khan.

Murders

Bishnoi's criminal exploits extend to several famous murders. He claimed responsibility for the killing of Khalistani gangster Sukhdool Singh in Canada, asserting the act was revenge for prior offences. His gang was also linked to the assassination of Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, a prominent leader in Rajasthan.

The killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala on May 29, 2022, brought further attention to Bishnoi's criminal empire. Although Bishnoi was incarcerated at the time, his gang claimed responsibility for the murder, resulting in police investigations that only deepened his notoriety.