In a significant blow to trans-national organized crime, Anmol Bishnoi, a key accused in the murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique and an integral part of the terror-syndicate run by his brother, gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, was extradited from the United States and landed in the national capital on Wednesday. He was immediately arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
High-Stakes Arrival and Court Transfer
Ahead of his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, security was visibly tightened. Police personnel, along with a Dog Squad, conducted thorough checks of vehicles and premises at Terminal 3, underscoring the high-profile nature of the detainee. Officials confirmed that Anmol Bishnoi was taken directly from the airport to the Patiala House Court for legal proceedings.
The NIA, in an official statement, confirmed the arrest following his deportation from the US. The agency had been pursuing Bishnoi, who had been absconding since 2022. He is listed as the 19th accused to be arrested in the NIA's case concerning the widespread terror-syndicate led by his jailed brother.
A Fugitive Orchestrating Crime from Abroad
Investigations have painted a picture of Anmol Bishnoi as a central figure who managed the gang's operations from foreign soil. The NIA had chargesheeted him in March 2023, establishing that he "actively aided designated individual terrorist Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi in the commission of various acts of terrorism in the country during the 2020-2023 period."
Operating from the safety of the United States and Canada, Bishnoi allegedly continued to run terror syndicates and execute violent acts for the Lawrence Bishnoi gang by directing operatives on the ground in India. The NIA's probe revealed that he provided "shelter and logistic support to the gang’s shooters and ground operatives" and was also engaged in extortion in India from foreign soil with the help of other gangsters.
A Web of Crimes and International Pursuit
Anmol Bishnoi is a wanted accused in multiple cases across the country, most notably in the shocking murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, who was shot dead in Bandra, Mumbai, in October 2024. His name has also surfaced in the investigation into the killing of popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022.
The path to his extradition was a multi-agency effort. The Mumbai police had sent two proposals for his extradition. Officials stated that the Union government will now decide which agency gets his custody first. The Mumbai police are expected to seek his custody for their cases.
Last November, Bishnoi was detained by US authorities. His international movement was facilitated by a Russian passport, which officials say was procured using a forged document. Earlier this month, intelligence indicated he had been detained in Canada before his eventual extradition. The NIA had announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to him.
Family's Appeal for Safety
Meanwhile, the gangster's cousin, Ramesh Bishnoi, has appealed to the Central government to ensure Anmol's safety. Speaking to ANI, he claimed that Anmol is "only being punished for being the brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi" and expressed faith in the investigative agencies.
"The law will take its course. Our family respects the law... but today our main concern is that if he is being brought to India, the Indian government should ensure his safety. This will be our demand," Ramesh Bishnoi stated.
For the victims' families, the extradition marks a step toward justice. Zeeshan Siddique, son of the slain Baba Siddique, confirmed to PTI that he had received an email informing him of Anmol Bishnoi's removal from the United States. "This means he is not in the United States and should be brought to India and tried for his crimes," the former MLA added.
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