NEW DELHI: Jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has emerged as one of the most controversial and closely watched figures in recent years, with his name repeatedly surfacing in connection with threats, extortion bids and violent incidents allegedly targeting high-profile celebrities in India and abroad. Despite being lodged in jail, Bishnoi’s network continues to operate through associates across multiple states and foreign countries.As several actors, filmmakers and singers face threats from individuals claiming links to his gang, here is a detailed account of who Lawrence Bishnoi is, his background, the criminal cases against him, and the growing list of celebrities who have reportedly been targeted.

Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?Lawrence Bishnoi hails from Punjab and first came into prominence during his university years, where he was active in student politics. According to investigators, it was during this period that he began forming alliances that later developed into what police describe as an organized criminal network.Over the years, Bishnoi has faced multiple cases involving murder, attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, extortion and violations under the Arms Act. Law enforcement agencies allege that his syndicate expanded steadily, with operatives functioning in Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Maharashtra, along with reported links abroad.Authorities claim that even while in custody, Bishnoi maintained influence through coded messages, intermediaries and digital platforms. Several of his associates have been arrested in different cases, while others are reportedly operating from outside India.

Salman Khan: The longstanding targetThe hostility between Lawrence Bishnoi and Salman Khan dates back to the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. The Bishnoi community reveres the blackbuck, and Bishnoi has publicly expressed anger over the incident in past interviews.Recently, an unidentified person threatened to blow up Khan’s car and assault him at his Bandra residence, sending the message via the Mumbai Traffic Police’s WhatsApp helpline. Police registered a case under Section 351(2)(3) (criminal intimidation) and tightened security around his home.Threats against the actor have escalated over the years. Shots were fired outside his Galaxy Apartment residence in Mumbai in April 2024. Though no one was injured, the incident sent shockwaves through the industry, prompting the Mumbai Police to strengthen his security cover.Bishnoi had earlier demanded an apology from the actor, accusing him of bringing shame to the Bishnoi community. Following repeated threats, the Maharashtra government provided Khan with Y+ category security.

In several social media posts attributed to the gang, warnings to Salman Khan have been direct and explicit. In one post following a firing incident abroad, the gang challenged him to “save” those close to him, intensifying concerns about the safety of individuals associated with the actor.Ranveer Singh: Ransom demand via voice noteActor Ranveer Singh, known for his recent film ‘Dhurandhar: The Revenge’, allegedly received a WhatsApp voice note demanding Rs 1 crore in ransom. The message was sent to his manager’s phone number.According to police sources, the voice in the message reportedly belongs to Harry Boxer, described as a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi. Early findings by the Mumbai Crime Branch suggested that the voice resembled Boxer’s, though forensic verification is underway.

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The voice note has been sent for forensic examination. Officials have stated that they are awaiting a final report before taking further legal action. Investigators also revealed that a VPN network was used to send the threat, and the traced digital footprint points to a foreign location.The Crime Branch has sought assistance from Interpol to trace the exact origin of the message. Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh’s security has been increased, and statements from his manager have been recorded.The threat came shortly after the firing incident outside Rohit Shetty’s residence, leading investigators to examine whether there is a coordinated pattern of intimidation targeting high-profile Bollywood personalities.Rohit Shetty: Firing outside Juhu residenceIn a chilling development, two motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly fired multiple rounds outside filmmaker Rohit Shetty’s Juhu residence, “Shetty Tower,” in the early hours of February 1, 2026. No injuries were reported.Shortly after the incident, a social media post surfaced from accounts linked to alleged gang operatives Shubham Lonkar and Aarzoo Bishnoi. The post, written in Hindi, openly claimed responsibility for the firing.

The message included a direct threat: “Ram Ram, Jai Bajrang Bali to all brothers. Today, we, Shubham Lonkar, Aarzoo Bishnoi, Hari Boxer, and Harman Shandu, take responsibility for the firing at film director Rohit Shetty’s home in Mumbai. We messaged him many times not to interfere in our work, but he did not understand.This is just a small trailer. If he doesn’t listen, the next bullets won’t be outside the house—they will be inside his bedroom, into his chest. This is a warning to the entire Bollywood industry: mend your ways or your condition will be worse than Baba Siddique’s. To those we have called—fall in line or you will run out of places to hide. And to our enemies, be ready; wait and watch. (NOTE: There was only one, there is only one, and there will only be one — Lawrence Bishnoi Group).“The Mumbai Police launched a large-scale investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and deploying forensic teams. The incident echoed previous high-profile shootings linked to the gang.Aayush Sharma: Extortion emailActor Aayush Sharma, brother-in-law of Salman Khan, also reportedly received an extortion demand via Proton Mail. The demand came just a day after Ranveer Singh’s alleged threat.Police officials stated that the cyber cell is working to trace the sender of the email. An FIR is expected to be registered following verification of details. Authorities have advised Aayush Sharma to remain vigilant and seek protection if necessary.

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His manager’s statement has been recorded, and police sources confirmed that multiple celebrities have received threats in recent weeks. The Crime Branch has invoked provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against members of the Shubham Lonkar faction of the gang.Pawan Singh: Warning over Salman Khan associationBhojpuri star Pawan Singh has allegedly received threats from unidentified callers claiming to be members of the Bishnoi gang. According to police, Singh was warned against sharing the stage or screen space with Salman Khan.The complaint was filed by Singh’s manager, who reported receiving repeated threatening calls. The caller allegedly warned that Singh would face severe consequences if he continued professional association with Salman Khan.

The Mumbai Police confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that appropriate action would follow an inquiry.Kapil Sharma: Repeated firing at CaféIn Canada, comedian Kapil Sharma’s café in Surrey was attacked for the third time. Unidentified gunmen fired multiple shots at the establishment, though no injuries were reported.A social media post attributed to individuals linked to the Bishnoi network claimed responsibility for the attack. Earlier posts had similarly taken responsibility for firing incidents at the café.

One widely circulated post allegedly read:“Aaj jo Kapil Sharma ke Kap’s Café, Surrey mein firing hui hai, iski zimmedari Goldy Dhillon te Lawrence Bishnoi gang leti hai… next karwai jald hi Mumbai mein karenge.”Surrey Police Service confirmed it was investigating reports of gunfire at the café, located in the Newton area. Videos circulating online showed bullets striking the building’s walls and windows. Authorities are examining the footage, though its authenticity has not been independently verified.Gippy Grewal: “Warning Shots” in CanadaPunjabi singer Gippy Grewal reportedly faced a firing incident at his White Rock, Vancouver residence in 2023. The Bishnoi group allegedly claimed responsibility via a Facebook post, describing the shots as “warning shots” to convey a message to Salman Khan.

The post reportedly stated that Grewal was being “warned” for praising Salman Khan and that the gang would “challenge him to protect his brother.” Canadian authorities confirmed a firing incident but have yet to publicly confirm the alleged involvement of the Bishnoi network. No injuries were reported, but the event heightened concerns about public safety and the reach of organized crime into overseas communities.Sidhu Moosewala CaseThe murder of Punjabi singer-politician Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022 remains one of the most high-profile cases linked to the Bishnoi gang. Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar claimed responsibility for the killing.In a BBC documentary, Brar said:“In his arrogance, he (Moosewala) made some mistakes that could not be forgiven.”“We had no option but to kill him. He had to face the consequences of his actions. It was either him or us. As simple as that.”

Sidhu Moosewala

“So we took it upon ourselves. When decency falls on deaf ears, it’s the gunshot that gets heard. Law. Justice. There’s no such thing,” he said. “Only the powerful can… (obtain) justice, not ordinary people like us.”The Punjab Police has maintained that there was no evidence linking Moosewala to gang-related crimes, though rivalries between gangs were cited as a motive.Baba Siddique Murder: Bishnoi gang allegedly targetedMaharashtra MLA and former minister Baba Siddique was shot dead outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Bandra, Mumbai. The incident is reportedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has been known to target high-profile figures connected to Bollywood and politics.A social media post, allegedly by Shubuu Lonkar of the Bishnoi gang, claimed responsibility:

“Salman Khan, we did not want this war, but you harmed our brother. Baba Siddique’s chapter has closed today, or he was once under the MCOCA Act with Dawood. The reason for his death is Anuj Thapan and Dawood, who were to be linked with Bollywood, politics, and property dealings. We have no enmity with anyone, but whoever helps Salman Khan and the Dawood gang will have to settle their accounts.”The post began with “Om, Jai Shri Ram, Jai Bharat” and quoted poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s Rashmirathi:“Jeewan ka mulya samajhta hu, dhan ko mai dhool samajhta hu! Kya wahi satkarm tha jo nibhaya, nibhaya mitrata ka dharm tha jo.”A senior officer confirmed, “We have seen the viral social media post. Verifying authenticity and context.”The Mumbai Crime Branch has registered a case at Nirmal Nagar Police Station (Crime No. 589/2024), including sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Arms Act, and Maharashtra Police Act.