First FIR in Sriganganagar under BNS organised crime section filed against Bishnoi gang

Jaipur: Rajasthan police has began using tough new legal provisions to combat a surge in extortion and ransom calls targeting traders near the Punjab border. In a significant move after a recent firing at the house of a property dealer in Sriganganagar, police invoked sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to organised crime against jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, his brother Anmol Bishnoi, who is suspected to be abroad, and several local members of their network.

Officials said Wednesday, this is the first case registered in Sriganganagar under Section 111 of BNS, which specifically deals with organised crime syndicates.

Sriganganagar SP Gaurav Yadav, said, the new provisions allow police to take strict action against those involved in crimes such as extortion, kidnapping, land grabbing, trafficking, contract killings, cybercrime, or economic fraud if they are part of a syndicate. The law prescribes severe punishment, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty if such crimes lead to a death, along with fines ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Anyone who aids, shelters, or benefits from such networks can also face the same harsh penalties.

Police said, the firing at the property dealer's home followed repeated extortion calls made in the name of the Bishnoi gang . On Monday, police arrested two alleged shooters, Manish and Rahul, who, during interrogation, revealed their links to the gang. Earlier, officers arrested Pradeep, known as Golu Pandit from Agra, and others who opened fire at the dealer's residence. Investigators believe these men were hired specifically for the attack. With each arrest, police are learning more about how the syndicate functions and how its operations extend across state lines.

According to officers, the Bishnoi network operates internationally, with some members believed to be hiding in Europe, America, and Gulf countries. Police said the gang's leaders maintain direct connections with arms suppliers, drug cartels, hawala operators, and gold smugglers, running extensive smuggling and extortion operations across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, Punjab, and Maharashtra.

An officer said, during questioning, it became clear that the firing was carried out on the instructions of the Bishnoi syndicate. Police have now booked everyone involved, whether in the country or abroad, under the newly introduced provisions that deal with organised crime.