From prison cell to power play: The Lawrence Bishnoi gang network targeting celebrities
Times of India
by ANJALI SINGHFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Lawrence Bishnoi, a jailed gangster from Punjab, has gained notoriety as a key figure in India's organized crime networks. Despite being behind bars, his influence persists through associates operating across multiple states and even internationally. His gang is alleged to have targeted high-profile celebrities with threats, extortions, and violent incidents.
Bishnoi first emerged during his university years, where he built connections that evolved into a criminal syndicate. Over the years, he has faced numerous cases involving murder, attempted murder, and violations under the Arms Act. His network is reported to span Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi, Maharashtra, and beyond India's borders.
Prominent actor Salman Khan has been a long-standing target of Bishnoi's gang, with threats escalating since the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. Recently, an anonymous threat was made via Mumbai Traffic Police’s WhatsApp helpline, leading to increased security for Khan. Another incident involved actor Ranveer Singh receiving a ransom demand of Rs 1 crore through a voice note attributed to Harry Boxer, a close associate of Bishnoi.
The gang's operations highlight the growing concern over organized crime's reach into celebrity lives and its ability to operate across national boundaries. Authorities are collaborating with Interpol to track these threats, underscoring the global implications of such networks.
This story underscores the alarming rise of organized crime in India and its impact on public figures, raising questions about law enforcement's capacity to combat such syndicates effectively. The case also sheds light on how even a jailed leader can maintain influence through intermediaries and digital platforms, challenging traditional notions of criminal activity being limited by physical confinement.
The targeting of celebrities like Khan and Singh reflects a disturbing trend where organized crime groups use fear and intimidation to exert control. This not only threatens individual safety but also raises broader concerns about public order and the effectiveness of legal systems in addressing such threats.
Ultimately, Lawrence Bishnoi's case serves as a cautionary tale about the persistence of organized crime networks and their ability to operate across borders, even when their leaders are behind bars.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/14/2026