The murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique has sent shockwaves through Mumbai, and all fingers point to Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang. Despite the high-profile nature of the case and Bishnoi’s previous involvement in crimes like threats against Salman Khan, the Mumbai Police have failed to bring him under their custody. These raises pressing questions about why the city’s law enforcement seems powerless in the face of Bishnoi’s criminal reign.
The Mumbai Police had applied multiple times to secure Bishnoi’s custody, especially after the April firing incident outside Salman Khan’s residence, but the gangster remains untouchable, housed in Sabarmati Jail after being shifted from Tihar. His secure operations from jail suggest he is protected at higher levels, with the Union Home Ministry’s decisions playing a key role in blocking his transfer.
The Untouchable Crime Lord
Lawrence Bishnoi’s control over his gang from inside prison highlights deep-rooted failures in the system. Despite being jailed since 2012, his gang remains operational and unchallenged, spreading terror across several states. The gang has more than 700 shooters, spread across five states, and Bishnoi has built powerful connections, including links with pro-Khalistan elements. These alliances shield him further from police crackdowns.
Prison Influence: Bishnoi’s continued communication with his gang through VoIP calls and “Dabba Calling” raises concerns over the complicity of prison officials. The fact that he can operate with impunity, using these advanced communication methods, suggests that his reach extends deep into the prison system itself.
Strategic Avoidance of Bail: Unlike other criminals, Bishnoi strategically avoids applying for bail, preferring to remain behind bars where he can securely operate without police interference. This allows him to evade court proceedings that could put him in a more vulnerable position outside prison walls.
Criminal Network’s Growth: Even behind bars, Bishnoi’s gang has grown exponentially, recruiting young operatives through social media and creating a vast network that operates across India. His network has links not only within the country but also abroad, complicating efforts by law enforcement to dismantle the gang.
Union Home Ministry’s Role: One of the biggest barriers for the Mumbai Police has been the involvement of the Union Home Ministry. Bishnoi’s shifting between high-security jails and the ministry’s control over his custody have made it nearly impossible for local police to get him into their jurisdiction.
A Failure of the System
The inability of the Mumbai Police to touch Lawrence Bishnoi despite his direct involvement in high-profile crimes like Baba Siddique’s assassination and the Salman Khan threats speaks to a larger systemic failure. His well-oiled operation from prison, shielded by political and bureaucratic layers, showcases a criminal system deeply embedded within the country’s institutions. Until these institutional protections are dismantled, Mumbai Police—and law enforcement nationwide—will continue to struggle against Bishnoi’s reign of terror.
