The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has attached four properties affiliated with Lawrence Bishnoi’s notorious terror-crime syndicate in a definitive drive to break the link between terrorism, organised crime, and drug smuggling. This historic development entailed coordinated efforts in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana and was made possible by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act of 1967.
The attached properties, deemed ‘proceeds of terrorism,’ were identified as assets utilized for hatching terror plots and executing serious criminal activities. The NIA’s targeted actions included both immovable and movable assets.
One of the properties seized is Flat-77/4, Ashrey-1, Sulabh Awas Yojana, Sector-1, Gomti Nagar Extension, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, belonging to Vikas Singh. Vikas Singh has been identified as a harborer of the terror gang in Lucknow. Additionally, two properties situated in village Bhishanpura, Fazilka, Punjab, owned by accused Dalip Kumar, alias Bhola, alias Dalip Bishnoi, were also attached.
The investigative agency also confiscated a Fortuner car registered in the name of Joginder Singh, a resident of Yamunanagar in Haryana. Joginder Singh is the father of gangster Kala Rana, a close associate of Lawrence Bishnoi, and has been facilitating the transportation of arms and ammunition for terrorist acts.
According to NIA findings, Vikas Singh is associated with Lawrence Bishnoi and has harbored terrorists involved in a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG) attack on Punjab Police Headquarters. The property owned by Dalip Kumar was utilized as a shelter and warehouse for storing weapons, concealing ammunition, and harboring members of the terrorist gang.
The NIA initiated its case against Lawrence Bishnoi’s organized crime syndicate under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in August 2022. The investigations have unveiled the syndicate’s involvement in various sensational crimes, including the murders of Punjabi singer and religious leaders. Notably, these terror conspiracies were orchestrated from abroad, with connections traced to Pakistan and Canada, as well as leaders of organized terror syndicates operating from prisons across India.
The strategic move by the NIA, involving the attachment and seizure of properties derived from the ‘proceeds of terrorism,’ underscores the agency’s commitment to disrupting and dismantling terror and mafia networks, along with their support infrastructure.