Lawrence Bishnoi’s Gang vs. Salman Khan: The Decades-Long Grudge Fueled by Poaching Incident
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang is under significant investigation due to its alleged involvement in several high-profile criminal activities. Furthermore, it has been linked to ongoing threats against Bollywood superstar Salman Khan.
Lawrence Bishnoi is a 31-year-old gangster hailing from the village of Dhattaranwali in Punjab’s Ferozepur district. He comes from a well-off farming family and belongs to the Bishnoi community. After completing his education up to the 12th grade, he relocated to Chandigarh in 2010 to pursue higher studies. He enrolled at DAV College, part of Panjab University, where he quickly became engaged in student politics.
His criminal history began with an FIR for attempted murder, followed by a trespassing charge in April 2010. In February 2011, he faced accusations of assault and cell phone theft, all linked to his involvement in student politics.
Jaswinder Singh, known as Rocky, a former gangster turned politician, eventually joined his faction, which continued to operate in various areas of Rajasthan.
Bishnoi is currently facing approximately twenty cases related to murder, attempted murder, extortion, and other crimes. He is presently held at Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad.
Lawrence Bishnoi gained notoriety when Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala was murdered in 2022. A gang member named Goldy Brar took responsibility for the killing.
Bishnoi and Salman Khan Connection
Reports have circulated for several months about the Bishnoi gang allegedly plotting against actor Salman Khan, including issuing death threats. In April, there were claims of gunfire occurring outside Khan’s home in Mumbai.
These threats are rooted in a 1998 poaching incident where Khan was accused of killing a blackbuck while on location in Rajasthan.
The Bishnoi community, which holds the blackbuck as a sacred animal, has harbored animosity towards Khan for many years.
The threats against Salman Khan not only aim to draw attention but also underscore the cultural tensions between the actor and the Bishnoi community.
During a court appearance in 2018, Lawrence Bishnoi declared, “We will kill Salman Khan in Jodhpur. Everyone will know once we take action. I have not done anything as of now; they are accusing me of crimes for no reason.”
Even while incarcerated, Bishnoi has managed to maintain influence over his criminal activities, often coordinating with accomplices or using smuggled mobile devices. The Mumbai police are on high alert regarding the increasing threat posed by the Bishnoi gang and have implemented various measures to prevent the gang from establishing a foothold in the city.