US authorities arrest Anmol Bishnoi: Mumbai police plans extradition over high-profile crimes

New Delhi: In a significant breakthrough, Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has reportedly been detained in California by U.S. authorities. While Indian agencies are yet to receive official confirmation, sources suggest the detention occurred approximately four to five days ago. Anmol Bishnoi is accused of orchestrating criminal activities for the Bishnoi gang alongside Goldy Brar from the United States.

Detention Linked to International Gang Activity

Indian officials believe Anmol Bishnoi’s arrest marks a significant step in curbing the Bishnoi gang’s transnational operations. “We have learned that Anmol, who was managing the gang’s operations from California, has been detained. Efforts are underway to gather more details through official channels,” an official revealed.

This development comes shortly after Arshdeep Singh Gill, alias Arsh Dalla, another wanted gangster, was detained in Canada last month. Bishnoi was last traced to Fresno, California, though it remains unclear if his detention occurred in the same location.

Mumbai Police Investigations and Extradition Plans

U.S. authorities have reportedly been in contact with Mumbai Police regarding Bishnoi’s whereabouts. Mumbai Police is investigating his alleged involvement in two high-profile crimes—the firing outside actor Salman Khan’s residence in April 2023 and the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique in October.

The police are preparing an extradition request for Anmol Bishnoi to face trial in India. Earlier, a lookout notice was issued against him after he claimed responsibility for the Salman Khan shooting via social media. Investigations also link Bishnoi to the shooters involved in Siddique’s murder, with evidence of communication over Snapchat.

Expanding Gang Network

Anmol Bishnoi and Goldy Brar are accused of running the Lawrence Bishnoi gang’s extensive operations across India. The gang is involved in extortion, targeted killings, and links to pro-Khalistan groups like Babbar Khalsa International.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) declared Anmol Bishnoi as “most wanted,” offering a ₹10 lakh reward for his capture. According to an NIA charge sheet, the gang’s operations mirror the 1990s underworld, with deep connections to the music industry, athletes, and the film world.

Broader Implications for Organized Crime

Authorities are investigating the gang’s global reach, which includes managing recruitment, financing, and weapon supply from abroad. Anmol Bishnoi is also implicated in ordering the assassination of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022. This network represents a dangerous nexus between organized crime and extremist ideologies, posing significant challenges for law enforcement agencies.