Mumbai/New Delhi: In a significant development, Anmol Bishnoi, the brother of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has been apprehended in the United States. While neither the Mumbai Police nor the Delhi Police have made formal statements, intelligence sources reveal that a non-bailable warrant was issued against Anmol two weeks ago. This paved the way for his detention and subsequent efforts to extradite him to India.
Mumbai Police Accelerates Extradition Process
According to sources, the Crime Branch of the Mumbai Police has initiated the process to bring Anmol Bishnoi back to India to face trial. Though the timeline for his extradition remains unclear, officials claim significant progress has been made with support from U.S. authorities.
The Chase for Anmol Bishnoi: How He Was Caught
Anmol Bishnoi came under the scanner following two high-profile incidents gunfire outside Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s Mumbai residence and the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui. Central intelligence agencies identified him as a key player in orchestrating these crimes.
After the arrests of individuals linked to the shootings, Anmol’s name surfaced during interrogations. By tracking phone numbers associated with the incidents, central intelligence agencies, in collaboration with international counterparts, located him abroad. However, the challenge was confirming his identity.
A formal request from the Mumbai Police prompted U.S. authorities to surveil a suspected location. After a week of monitoring, officials confirmed his presence, leading to his arrest.
Anmol Bishnoi’s Infamous Criminal Record
Anmol Bishnoi is no stranger to the law. He is wanted in connection with multiple high-profile crimes, including the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Authorities allege Anmol played a pivotal role in coordinating Moosewala’s assassination and had close ties with the shooters involved. He also faces charges in at least 18 other cases.
Additionally, a lookout circular was issued against him earlier this year for his involvement in firing outside Salman Khan’s residence. Investigations revealed that Anmol was in contact with the assassins of Baba Siddiqui, the former Maharashtra minister, who was gunned down on October 12.
The Fugitive’s Trail: From Fake Passport to Global Hideouts
Known by his alias “Bhanu,” Anmol Bishnoi fled India using a fake passport. His trail stretched across continents, with sightings in Kenya last year and Canada earlier this year. Intelligence reports indicate that Anmol used encrypted communication platforms, including Snapchat, to coordinate with associates and evade detection.
Mumbai Police’s Next Steps
Mumbai Police, backed by the Ministry of External Affairs, is pushing for swift extradition. Legal experts believe the non-bailable warrant issued under the Maharashtra Organized Crime Control Act (MCOCA) strengthens India’s case.
Implications of Anmol’s Arrest
Anmol Bishnoi’s detention is a major victory for Indian authorities in their fight against organized crime. His capture not only disrupts the Bishnoi gang’s international operations but also brings hope for justice in high-profile cases like Sidhu Moosewala’s murder and the Salman Khan firing incident.
