In recent developments, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has become a significant concern for the Mumbai police, echoing the tumultuous past when the underworld held sway over the city’s law enforcement. The recent shooting incident outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan’s residence has raised alarms about the gang’s potential influence in Mumbai.

On April 14, two individuals, Sagar Pal and Vicky Gupta, were arrested for their involvement in the shooting. Both men are linked to the Bishnoi gang and, during interrogation, revealed a troubling insight: they were not contracted for the job but were instead offered a sum of money to establish themselves in Mumbai. This unusual motivation has taken the police by surprise, as it deviates from the conventional practices of underworld operations.

Typically, underworld gangs operate with a system of contracts or “supari” for carrying out such tasks. However, the Bishnoi gang appears to be adopting a different approach, aiming to make their mark without following the traditional underworld script. This shift has caused concern among various law enforcement agencies, who are now viewing the Bishnoi gang as a new adversary in Mumbai.

Lawrence Bishnoi himself is currently incarcerated in Gujarat’s Sabarmati Jail, having been implicated as the primary accused in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022. Despite the decline of infamous figures like Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Rajan over the past 15 years, the police believe that the Bishnoi gang is attempting to establish its dominance in Mumbai’s criminal landscape.

Mumbai police officials are wary of the gang’s ambitions, which may include targeting high-profile individuals to gain notoriety and instill fear in the public. Salman Khan has been on the gang’s radar since 1998 due to a hunting incident involving blackbucks in Rajasthan, which has been a longstanding point of contention with the Bishnoi community.

The police have indicated that the recent shooting may have been less about specific grievances and more about the gang’s strategy to make a name for themselves in the city. Reports suggest that the instructions given to the shooters were aimed at creating fear rather than ensuring a successful hit on Khan.

While the Bishnoi gang has not been notably active in threatening Mumbai’s film industry over the past two years, the recent events have led to heightened vigilance. The police are encouraging industry professionals to report any threats without fear, assuring them of adequate protection.

Retired IPS officer Kulwant Sarangal has highlighted the gang’s growing reputation, especially after the events surrounding Moosewala’s murder. The potential for the Bishnoi gang to gain a foothold in Mumbai is a pressing concern, and police efforts are focused on staving off this threat.

The situation remains fluid as investigations continue, and law enforcement is determined to act swiftly and professionally to neutralize any potential risks posed by the Bishnoi gang. As Mumbai navigates this evolving landscape, the stakes for public safety and the film industry are higher than ever.