Sabarmati Jail Security in Focus Over Alleged Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Operations

Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, lodged in the high-security section of Sabarmati Central Jail since May 2023, remains under scrutiny over allegations that his associates continue to run a criminal network involved in extortion, drug trafficking and contract killings across India and abroad.

Intelligence inputs cited in reports suggest that Bishnoi may be communicating with associates from prison and directing criminal activities. Canadian police have also alleged that his network operates internationally, including from a jail in Ahmedabad.

The allegations have raised questions about how the network functions despite Bishnoi's confinement and the restrictions on his transfer to other states.

Sidhu Moosewala Murder and Other High-Profile Cases

Bishnoi and members of his alleged network have been linked to several high-profile criminal cases, including the May 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.

The gang has also been linked to the December 2023 murder of Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena president Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi and the October 2024 killing of former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique.

Bishnoi's name has also surfaced in threats against Bollywood actor Salman Khan in connection with the 1998 blackbuck poaching case.

However, allegations of his direct involvement and claims that he directed individual crimes from prison must be assessed separately in each case.

Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara's Alleged Roles

Gangsters Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara have been linked to the wider Bishnoi network. Brar has been associated with its alleged operations in North America, including Canada and the US, while Godara has been linked to criminal activities in Europe and elsewhere.

Investigators suspect that associates operating overseas help sustain the network while Bishnoi remains in custody in India.

Canadian Police Flag International Network

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has reportedly alleged that Bishnoi's organised crime network remains active internationally, with suspected links to extortion, drug trafficking and contract killings.

Indian agencies have also investigated alleged Bishnoi gang activities in Gujarat, including in the Kutch region. The cross-border dimension has increased scrutiny of coordination between Indian and foreign law enforcement agencies.

Gujarat ATS, Crime Branch Probe Alleged Gang Links

Gujarat's Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and Ahmedabad Crime Branch recently arrested two alleged associates in connection with the murder of Mad Sandhu, according to the supplied report. The accused were suspected of working for the Bishnoi gang.

Other arrests in Ahmedabad and South Gujarat have also reportedly brought the network's alleged local activities under scrutiny. The role of each accused and the evidence connecting them to the gang remain matters for investigation.

Questions Over Sabarmati Jail Security

Bishnoi's alleged continued influence from Sabarmati Central Jail has prompted questions about prison security, intelligence-sharing and the monitoring of communications by inmates accused of leading organised crime networks.

The issue has also drawn political attention because the prison is located in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Authorities face the challenge of establishing how the alleged network communicates, coordinates operations and moves money across borders. Evidence of communications and links between individual suspects will be crucial in determining whether criminal activities have been directed from prison or carried out independently by associates.

The allegations have renewed scrutiny of Sabarmati Central Jail and the ability of law enforcement agencies to disrupt organised crime networks whose operations extend beyond India's borders.