How Lawrence Bishnoi Became The New Dawood Ibrahim

In the murky world of organized crime in India, Lawrence Bishnoi has quickly risen to prominence as one of the most notorious figures in the criminal underworld. Known for his involvement in a range of illegal activities—from extortion and drug trafficking to targeted killings—Bishnoi’s name has been frequently linked with high-profile crimes and law enforcement agencies across the country. His rise has drawn comparisons to the infamous Dawood Ibrahim, one of the most wanted criminals in the world, who once reigned as the kingpin of the Indian underworld.

The Roots of a Criminal Career

Lawrence Bishnoi hails from the northern state of Punjab, a region known for its agricultural economy, but also one that has become increasingly intertwined with drug trafficking and organized crime in recent decades. Bishnoi's criminal journey began at a young age when he got involved in the illegal drug trade. Initially, he was seen as a small-time offender, engaging in petty crimes.

However, his ambitions and connections soon allowed him to break into the larger world of organized crime, which saw him begin to rise through the ranks.

His rise to prominence came in the 2010s when Bishnoi became a prominent figure in Punjab’s criminal landscape. A crucial turning point came when he reportedly took over operations for one of the most powerful gangs in the region, the Bishnoi gang, which was initially founded by his uncle, who was allegedly involved in smuggling and extortion. Lawrence’s violent, bold, and aggressive tactics quickly earned him the respect of his peers, but also the ire of law enforcement.

Becoming a National Figure

Bishnoi’s notoriety spread beyond Punjab when he started to engage in activities that caught the attention of national media and police forces. His criminal empire expanded into cities such as Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan, where he allegedly took part in the extortion of businessmen, land-grabbing, and contract killings. His involvement in several high-profile crimes, including the murder of popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022, cemented his place as a key figure in the world of organized crime.

What further amplified his name was his direct involvement in the protection rackets and illegal trade of arms and drugs. Bishnoi’s reach extended to smuggling firearms, and he is thought to have numerous operatives working under him, operating both locally and internationally. His network spans across the border, with reports indicating that Bishnoi has connections with international criminal organizations, much like Dawood Ibrahim, who built a transnational empire with far-reaching influence. His involvement in the drug trade, specifically in the export of heroin from Punjab to various countries, has raised concerns in both India and neighboring regions.

The Comparison to Dawood Ibrahim

The comparisons between Lawrence Bishnoi and Dawood Ibrahim have been frequent due to their similar trajectories. Both men rose from relatively humble beginnings to become powerful figures in the Indian underworld. Dawood, who once headed the D-Company, was involved in a variety of illegal activities such as smuggling, arms trading, drug trafficking, and even terrorism. His criminal empire spanned not just India but also several international markets, particularly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Similarly, Bishnoi has expanded his empire from Punjab to neighboring states and even internationally. Like Dawood, Bishnoi has gained notoriety not just for his criminal activities but for his public bravado. Bishnoi is known to openly challenge law enforcement agencies and even make threats on social media, much like Ibrahim once did. His alleged connections with international criminal syndicates and his ability to coordinate from prison, where he is currently being held, mirror Dawood Ibrahim’s operational style.

Control of the Underworld

Just as Dawood once controlled large swathes of the underworld, Lawrence Bishnoi now commands a network of gangs and criminal enterprises spread across various parts of India. His ability to maintain control over his criminal activities despite being imprisoned shows his influence and operational efficiency. Reports indicate that he continues to run his operations from jail, with his subordinates executing his orders on the outside.

Bishnoi's growing influence can also be attributed to his ability to foster relationships with politicians and law enforcement, much like Dawood’s relationship with corrupt officials in the past. This has allowed him to build a reputation not just for his criminal expertise but also for his ability to outsmart authorities. His network has diversified into areas such as real estate, where he allegedly forces businessmen to pay for "protection" under the guise of a legitimate operation.

The Future of Bishnoi’s Empire

Bishnoi's empire continues to expand, and with the ongoing crackdown on his operations by national agencies, it is unlikely that his influence will wane any time soon. His continued involvement in high-profile crimes and his ability to stay ahead of law enforcement suggest that, like Dawood Ibrahim before him, Bishnoi is playing a long game. Whether or not his criminal activities will ultimately be curtailed by law enforcement remains to be seen, but for now, he remains a significant force in the Indian underworld.

In conclusion, Lawrence Bishnoi’s rise to prominence in the criminal world has earned him the moniker of the “new Dawood Ibrahim.” His ability to build a criminal empire, his alleged ties with international syndicates, and his defiance of law enforcement make him a formidable figure. As his empire continues to expand, the question remains: Will he eventually replace Ibrahim’s legacy as the undisputed kingpin of the Indian underworld, or will law enforcement finally bring him to justice?

This article provides a detailed overview of Lawrence Bishnoi's rise and how he has become a major figure in the Indian criminal landscape, with comparisons to Dawood Ibrahim highlighting their similar paths to notoriety.