The security for India’s most notorious gangster looks suspicious. No movement allowed, encounters being plotted and planned behind bars, 700+ shooters across the globe. So, who is protecting Lawrence Bishnoi and why? Let’s look at answers for that and more.
In August 2023, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs extended restrictions on Lawrence Bishnoi’s movement in Sabarmati Central Jail for another year under Section 268 of the Criminal Procedural Code (CrPC). This decision has sparked serious questions:
- Why is he only being interrogated inside Sabarmati Jail?
- Why can’t the Mumbai Police secure his custody after the death of Baba Siddique?
- How is he able to plot and plan from behind bars while enjoying protection?
- With so much evidence against him, why does he still have public support?
Why can't Mumbai Police get him transferred?
When the Home Ministry extended restrictions on Bishnoi under Section 303 of the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), it effectively confined him to Sabarmati Central Jail until August 2025. This means that any interrogation must occur within the prison walls.
After a shooting incident outside Salman Khan's house in April, the Mumbai Police attempted to take Bishnoi into custody but were repeatedly denied permission by the Ministry. This has allowed him to continue orchestrating his criminal activities from behind bars.
How is he operating behind the bars?
Bishnoi is reportedly operating with "impunity" from prison, much like Dawood Ibrahim. He maintains a sophisticated network using smuggled phones and VPNs to evade detection. His communication channels include apps like Signal and Telegram, enabling him to keep his gang, which boasts 700 shooters across India and abroad, running smoothly. They often recruit young, sometimes underage individuals for specific hits, offering quick cash in return.
Despite these activities, Bishnoi enjoys the same rights as any other under-trial prisoner.
Why are these restrictions imposed?
Governments often argue that certain prisoners pose too great a risk if released, citing escape risks or threats to their lives. Authorities use Bishnoi's extensive criminal history and pending cases to justify keeping him locked up. However, even with years of imprisonment and scrutiny from central agencies like the NIA, efforts to curb his killing and extortion operations have proven ineffective.
Not only is he not being released, but he’s also allowed to continue his business operations inside jail.
Bishnoi’s PR brigade
Interestingly, Bishnoi has garnered a surprising amount of public support. His followers are increasingly vocal on social media, comparing him to historical figures like Bhagat Singh and portraying him as a symbol of Hindu pride. Some users even refer to him as a “Sher” or “patriot,” suggesting he could be a future leader if not imprisoned.
This narrative is being pushed by politically connected individuals, journalists, and educators who frame Bishnoi as a powerful figure capable of instilling fear in rival gangs.
Who is protecting him and why?
Despite being incarcerated, Bishnoi continues to operate through strong alliances, including ties to pro-Khalistan groups. The NIA has revealed that he uses VoIP and "Dabba Calling" methods to communicate without being detected.
So, how can he manage such a large crime syndicate without some level of complicity from prison officials? His influence appears deep-rooted; managing organized operations from jail seems improbable without external support.
The situation surrounding Lawrence Bishnoi is alarming. With restrictions that allow him to conduct business as usual while being protected by powerful connections, it begs the question: is the Home Ministry inadvertently providing him with a ‘suraksha kavach’? As investigations continue and public discourse evolves, it’s clear that this gangster's story is far from over - and it might just be getting started.
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