Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, 3 others acquitted in 2022 Arms Act case

A Mohali court recently acquitted gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and three others in a 2022 Arms Act case, while convicting one accused, for illegal possession of firearms.

The case was registered after a tip-off was received about one Sonu, a proclaimed offender in multiple robbery cases across Punjab, Delhi, and Himachal Pradesh. Sonu was arrested with a bag containing four pistols (.32 bore), one pistol (.315 bore), and ammunition.

Disclosures made by him led to the arrest of the others. The court has said that custodial statements without corroborating evidence hold no value, and no further recoveries were made. The sole conviction is of one person under Section 25 of the Arms Act and sentenced to three years in prison along with a ₹500 fine.

Court found that the case against four of the accused collapsed after the initial investigating officer's testimony was deemed incomplete and therefore inadmissible. It further noted that while Bishnoi and others were named in police disclosure statements, such statements lack evidentiary value unless supported by subsequent recoveries, which the prosecution failed to establish in accordance with the law.

Bishnoi is also accused in a case relating to the recent murder of renowned singer Sidhu Moosewala. He is facing trial under Sections 3 & 4 of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act and is lodged in Tihar Jail.

Although Bishnoi has been imprisoned for almost 10 years, his criminal syndicate, the Bishnoi gang has been linked to several high-profile killings in India and abroad.

Bishnoi has also been linked to the October 2024 killing of Mumbai politician Baba Siddique and a firing incident outside actor Salman Khan’s residence. They have allegedly issued multiple threats to Salman Khan over alleged grievances related to the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. The Bishnoi gang has also claimed responsibility for the murder of right-wing leader Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, who was shot dead in Jaipur in December 2023.

Last week, the Canadian government officially designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organisation, citing its role in fostering a “climate of fear and intimidation” nationwide. The announcement was made by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree who said the Bishnoi gang is a transnational criminal group that is active in parts of Canada. Bishnoi’s close associates include Goldy Brar – who runs the gang in Canada. Bishnoi has also been linked to several pro-Khalistan groups, including the Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).