India’s NIA Announces Bounty on Lawrence Bishnoi’s Brother, Believed to Be Hiding in Canada or the US

India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) has announced a reward of INR 10 lakh (approximately CA$16,500) for any information that leads to the capture of Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The announcement was made on Friday as authorities intensify efforts to locate Anmol, who has evaded arrest despite being implicated in multiple high-profile crimes.

Anmol Bishnoi, also known by his alias Bhanu, is wanted in connection with a firing incident that took place outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence in Mumbai in April. The NIA has added him to their most wanted list, suggesting his involvement in a broader criminal network, and has extended its reach internationally as Anmol is believed to be living in Canada and frequently traveling to the United States.

Anmol Bishnoi’s name has surfaced in several ongoing investigations. In addition to the attack outside Khan’s home, Bhanu is also allegedly involved in the recent murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique. The prominent politician was shot dead on October 12 in Bandra, Mumbai, and law enforcement agencies have linked the murder to Bishnoi’s criminal activities.

The Mumbai court recently denied bail to one of the accused in the Salman Khan incident, citing evidence that the attack was carried out with the intent to kill the Bollywood superstar on Bhanu’s orders. Investigations reveal that both Bhanu and his brother Lawrence, originally from Fazilka, Punjab, have orchestrated these criminal acts from afar, further complicating the case.

While Lawrence Bishnoi is currently serving time in Sabarmati Jail in Gujarat, his influence within the criminal underworld remains strong. His name has appeared in numerous cases, including those involving high-profile attacks, extortion, and organized crime. Authorities believe that Anmol has taken up a more prominent role in their criminal operations, operating from abroad while Lawrence remains imprisoned.

The NIA issued a lookout circular for Bhanu earlier this year, warning authorities of his international movements. His suspected involvement in cross-border crimes, particularly in the US and Canada, has led to a tightening of security measures at international borders. His frequent travels have complicated efforts to bring him to justice.

In a separate development, the NIA filed an FIR in August 2022, accusing the Bishnoi brothers and seven others of being part of a wider conspiracy to raise funds and recruit young individuals to carry out terrorist acts across India. According to the FIR, this conspiracy also involved the planned targeted killings of high-profile individuals, contributing to heightened concerns about the reach and influence of their criminal network.