Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang has been linked to a series of violent incidents in Mumbai, raising concerns about gang wars in the city.
Reaction from the field
The recent surge in violent incidents linked to gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has raised significant concerns about the potential for gang wars in Mumbai. In response to these escalating tensions, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has publicly assured citizens that the city will not descend into chaos. “I assure that Mumbai will not move towards gang wars, so I appeal to celebrities not to be scared,” Fadnavis stated, aiming to quell fears among the public and those in the entertainment industry.
Between 2024 and 2026, a series of high-profile firing incidents have been attributed to Bishnoi’s gang, contributing to a climate of fear and uncertainty. The police have made several arrests in connection with these cases, including at least three individuals linked to the high-profile case involving Bollywood actor Salman Khan in April 2024. Additionally, charges have been framed against 27 accused in the murder case of Baba Siddique, further illustrating the gang’s extensive criminal network.
In February 2026, the situation escalated with the arrest of 13 individuals in connection with the case involving filmmaker Rohit Shetty. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating organized crime in the region. The police are actively working to dismantle the operations of Bishnoi’s gang, which has been implicated in various violent acts.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Deepak Khatri, Lawrence Bishnoi’s lawyer, was involved in a shooting incident on February 24, 2026. Three armed assailants opened fire at Khatri’s car near Kashmiri Gate, raising questions about the safety of those associated with Bishnoi and the broader implications for legal professionals involved in high-stakes criminal cases. Madhur Verma, a spokesperson, confirmed that Khatri was accompanied by four companions during the incident.
Moreover, the gang’s influence appears to extend beyond mere violence, as threats have been made against various individuals. Reports indicate that a caller associated with Bishnoi’s gang sent a video showing gunfire and threatened to attack a family with firearms and explosives. This alarming trend underscores the pervasive fear instilled by organized crime in Mumbai.
In a disturbing incident, masked men were captured on CCTV footage, further complicating the investigation into the gang’s activities. Authorities are working diligently to identify these individuals, but the anonymity provided by masks poses a significant challenge. The number of masked men in the footage was reported to be three, indicating a coordinated effort by the gang to intimidate and threaten.
As the situation continues to unfold, the police are under pressure to maintain public safety and restore order. The community remains on edge, with many questioning the effectiveness of law enforcement in curbing gang-related violence. While the government has made assurances, the reality of ongoing threats and violence casts doubt on the stability of Mumbai.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding further developments in the ongoing investigations and the potential for additional arrests. The situation remains fluid, and the authorities are expected to provide updates as they work to address the challenges posed by Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang and its associates.
