In the shadowy underworld of India, one name continues to strike fear even from behind prison walls: Lawrence Bishnoi. After wreaking havoc in Delhi and Punjab, his gang is now making waves in Mumbai, India’s financial capital. But how does a criminal like Bishnoi, incarcerated since 2014, still command such power and influence from behind bars?
Unlike the infamous underworld dons of the 90s, who fled abroad, Lawrence Bishnoi has managed to run his empire from within Indian prisons. From Tihar to Sabarmati Jail, his operations have remained intact, thanks to his ‘suraksha kavach’ — a protective shield that keeps him beyond the reach of law enforcement.
Bishnoi’s ability to operate fearlessly from jail has left many asking: what exactly is this ‘suraksha kavach’? His strong alliances with pro-Khalistan groups, advanced communication methods like VoIP and the notorious “Dabba Calling,” and a network of 700 shooters spread across five states make him a force to reckon with. These technologies allow him to issue commands and plot crimes without fear of detection, giving him unprecedented control despite incarceration.
Even while lodged in prison, Bishnoi’s gang has been responsible for high-profile murders like that of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala and NCP leader Baba Siddique. His threat to Bollywood star Salman Khan, in connection with the Black Buck case, only underlines the audacity of his operations. His ability to avoid detection and punishment suggests inside support — a key part of his ‘suraksha kavach’.
Bishnoi’s criminal journey began during his college days in Chandigarh, where he quickly rose through the ranks in student politics, turning to extortion, smuggling, and violent crimes. His network grew across states like Punjab, Delhi, Haryana, and Maharashtra, with international ties, including to organized crime groups abroad. Now, even from inside his cell, his grip over North India’s underworld is tighter than ever.
What sets Bishnoi apart is his calculated avoidance of bail applications — a move that keeps him relatively safe from external threats. His loyal network of gang members, corrupt prison officials, and external alliances allows him to continue his reign unchecked. It’s this intricate web that acts as his invisible “shield,” raising serious questions about the depth of his influence within the Indian prison system.
Lawrence Bishnoi’s continued operations from jail point to a larger issue: is India’s prison system compromised? How far up does Bishnoi’s reach extend, and why is he able to evade justice despite his confinement? These are questions that authorities must urgently answer, as the terror of Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang continues to spread.
