Rising Gang Violence in Delhi: Extortion and Shootouts Linked to Lawrence Bishnoi’s Network

Gang Violence in Delhi: Rising Extortion and Shootings

Delhi has seen a surge in gang violence, with high-profile killings and extortion calls rising in recent months. The police are increasingly concerned about the operations of gangsters, even from within jails.

Recent Incidents

• September 13: Nadir Shah, a gym owner and police informant, was shot dead in Greater Kailash. Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi’s associates allegedly ordered the hit.

• September 20: Music composer Aman Batra received a Rs 5 crore extortion call from gangster Rohit Godara, a Bishnoi associate.

• September 30: A real estate developer was threatened by Goldy Brar, another Bishnoi associate demanding Rs 2 crore.

• September 26: Twenty shots were fired at a luxury car showroom in Naraina with a note left behind from the ‘Bhau Gang.’

• June 18: Aman Joon was killed at a Burger King in Rajouri Garden by rivals of Lawrence Bishnoi.

Gang Expansion

Gang violence in Delhi has shifted beyond outer districts to affluent areas like Greater Kailash and Vasant Vihar. The Delhi Police have reported 144 extortion cases in 2023, matching the previous year, with an increase in the involvement of younger criminals and hired shooters.

Gang leaders like Lawrence Bishnoi and Himanshu Bhau, operating from abroad, remotely direct operations through associates. They recruit vulnerable youths via social media, enticing them with the allure of gang affiliation.

Modus Operandi

Gangs employ violent tactics to intimidate businesses into compliance. They often fire shots near properties to send warnings. The gangs have changed their operational strategies, increasingly using juveniles for violent acts, knowing they face less legal repercussions.

Inter-Gang Rivalries

The landscape of gang rivalries is changing. The Bambiha gang, previously focused mainly in Punjab and Haryana, is now extending its reach into Delhi, teaming up with other gangs to increase their extortion threats.

Police Response

The Delhi Police are raising awareness about the challenges posed by these gangs. They emphasize the increasing reliance on young, inexperienced shooters and the need to intercept communication between gang leaders and their associates.

Despite rigorous jail protocols, gang leaders maintain contact with their networks. The police have apprehended numerous individuals linked to these gangs in recent operations, reflecting an active response to the rising threat.

Conclusion

The rise in gang violence and extortion in Delhi highlights an urgent need for law enforcement to adapt. The use of juvenile shooters and the ability of incarcerated gang leaders to orchestrate violence from jail complicate the situation. Police efforts to combat these gangs continue, aiming to restore safety in the capital.