Major Controversies Surrounding Lawrence Bishnoi: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Lawrence Bishnoi.

Lawrence Bishnoi is an Indian gangster and the head of the "Bishnoi Gang." The gang is known for its widespread network, which includes a large number of sharpshooters operating internationally. Bishnoi's criminal activities have made him a prominent figure in the Indian underworld.

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Full Timeline Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1998: Blackbuck poaching case

In 1998, Salman Khan was involved in the blackbuck poaching case, which is linked to the attempted attack on Salman Khan in 2018.

2010: Criminal Career Begins in Chandigarh

In 2010, Lawrence Bishnoi's criminal career began in Chandigarh. Several FIRs were registered against him for attempted murder, trespassing, assault, and robbery, related to his involvement in student politics.

2012: FIRs Registered Against Bishnoi

Between 2010 and 2012, several First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against Lawrence Bishnoi in Chandigarh for attempted murder, trespassing, assault, and robbery.

2013: Alleged Escalation of Violent Activities

In 2013, after graduating, Lawrence Bishnoi allegedly escalated his violent activities by murdering a winning candidate in the Government College student elections in Muktsar, and a rival candidate in the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation elections. He also allegedly became involved in liquor dealing, and began sheltering murderers in his gang.

2014: Armed Confrontation with Rajasthan Police

In 2014, Lawrence Bishnoi had an armed confrontation with the Rajasthan Police, resulting in his imprisonment.

2018: Attempted Attack on Salman Khan

In 2018, Lawrence Bishnoi's associate Sampath Nehra attempted an attack on Salman Khan, linked to the 1998 blackbuck poaching case, as the Bishnoi consider the Blackbuck sacred. Bishnoi later issued direct threats against Khan.

2020: Jaipal Bhullar Killed

In 2020, Jaipal Bhullar, who assassinated Rocky in 2016, was killed.

2021: Transferred to Tihar Jail

In 2021, Lawrence Bishnoi was transferred to Tihar Jail in Delhi under charges related to the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

March 2022: NIA Files Chargesheet Against Bishnoi

In March 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a chargesheet against Lawrence Bishnoi and 15 others under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, outlining his syndicate's connections with the pro-Khalistan movement.

May 2022: Assassination of Sidhu Moose Wala

On 29 May 2022, Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala was assassinated in Mansa, Punjab. Bishnoi's associate Goldy Brar claimed responsibility for orchestrating the murder in coordination with Bishnoi, who was in custody in Tihar Jail at the time.

August 2023: Custody to Gujarat ATS

In August 2023, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad received custody of Lawrence Bishnoi due to a drug smuggling case, and he was transferred to a high-security ward in the Sabarmati Central Jail.

September 2023: Claim of Responsibility for Killing Sukhdool Singh Gill

On 21 September 2023, Lawrence Bishnoi claimed responsibility for the killing of Sukhdool Singh Gill (also known as Sukha Duneke), a member of the Khalistan Tiger Force in Canada.

November 2023: Responsibility Claimed for Shooting at Gippy Grewal's Home

In November 2023, Lawrence Bishnoi claimed responsibility for a shooting at actor-singer Gippy Grewal's home, allegedly due to Grewal's association with Salman Khan.

December 2023: Assassination of Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi

On 5 December 2023, Karni Sena President Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi was shot dead in Jaipur. The Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for the assassination through Rohit Godara.

2023: Denial of Involvement with Pro-Khalistan Movement

In 2023, Lawrence Bishnoi denied involvement with the pro-Khalistan movement, stating he is a "patriot" and a "nationalist".

October 2024: Allegations of Indian Government Involvement

In October 2024, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) alleged that criminal groups, including Bishnoi's gang, were being used by "agents of the Government of India" to target individuals linked to pro-Khalistani elements in Canada.

October 2024: Assassination of Baba Siddique Claimed

The Bishnoi Gang claimed responsibility for the 12 October 2024 assassination of Baba Siddique, citing his relationship with Salman Khan.

September 2025: Bishnoi Gang Added to Terrorist Entities List

In late September 2025, Canada added the Bishnoi Gang to its list of terrorist entities.

2025: Extortions and Shootings Targeting South Asian Diaspora

In late 2025, the RCMP linked the Bishnoi Gang to a wave of extortions and shootings targeting the South Asian diaspora in Metro Vancouver and Brampton, Ontario.

January 13, 2026: RCMP Allegations

On January 13, 2026, the RCMP alleged that the Bishnoi gang "was acting on behalf of the Indian Government", claiming, “The Bishnoi Crime Group is a violent criminal organization with an active, continually expanding presence in several countries, including Canada.”

April 2026: Alleged Infiltration of Cricket Canada

In April 2026, The Fifth Estate alleged the Bishnoi Gang infiltrated Cricket Canada, involving corruption and match-fixing, including in the Canadian national cricket team's matches at the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup.