New Delhi: Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has been remanded to 11 days of National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody following his deportation from the United States. The Patiala House Court in Delhi granted the NIA's request for custodial interrogation on Wednesday, though the agency had sought 15 days initially.
Anmol, who had been absconding since 2022, is the 19th accused to be arrested in connection with the terror-gangster syndicate led by his brother. He was deported from the U.S. on Tuesday and arrived in India on Wednesday, where he was immediately taken into custody by the NIA.
The NIA has charged Anmol with actively aiding designated terrorist Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi in committing various acts of terrorism in India between 2020 and 2023. The agency stated that Anmol continued to operate the Bishnoi network from the U.S., coordinating with gang members in India, arranging shelter and logistics for shooters, and running extortion rackets from abroad. He is also accused of providing shelter and logistical support to the gang's shooters and operatives.
Anmol faces a staggering criminal trail, with over 30 cases in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana alone, including charges such as murder, attempted murder, extortion, and violations of the Arms Act. He is wanted in connection with several high-profile crimes, including the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, the firing outside actor Salman Khan's residence, and the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.
According to reports, Anmol fled India in 2022 using a forged passport under the name "Bhanu Pratap". He was arrested in Sacramento in November 2024 for illegal entry into the United States. His application for asylum was rejected, and he was subsequently deported.
The NIA is seeking Anmol's interrogation to uncover the terror-gangster network's modus operandi, funding, and member involvement. Special Public Prosecutor Rahul Tyagi said that Anmol is a "very important member of the terror-gangster syndicate" and possesses "crucial information" needed for the investigation. The agency also stated that they need to find out "incriminating details" about other members of the Bishnoi gang, including their locations and identities.
Anmol will remain in NIA custody until November 29, when he will be presented before the court again. The NIA continues to investigate the terror-gangster conspiracy case led by Lawrence Bishnoi as part of its efforts to dismantle the nexus between terrorists, gangsters, and arms smugglers, including their infrastructure and funding channels.
