News Desk: Being behind bars does not always mean the end of a gangster's criminal empire. Over the years, several notorious gangsters in India have been accused of running extortion networks, recruiting shooters and ordering attacks while serving time in prison. Despite strict security arrangements, prisons have, in some cases, allegedly become centres for organised criminal activities.
The issue has once again come into focus following the alleged involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in a recent firing incident involving Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff. Although Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol are lodged in separate prisons, investigators have alleged that members of their network continue to operate outside.
Lawrence Bishnoi is currently lodged in Gujarat's Sabarmati Central Jail, while his brother Anmol is imprisoned in Delhi's Tihar Jail. According to the report, restrictions imposed by the Union Home Ministry have complicated investigating agencies' efforts to obtain their custody.
However, the phenomenon of gangsters allegedly controlling criminal operations from prison is not new. Mumbai's underworld has witnessed similar cases involving several notorious figures.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, gangsters such as Arun Gawli and Ashwin Naik were accused of directing criminal activities from Indian prisons. While underworld figures like Dawood Ibrahim, Chhota Rajan and Abu Salem operated from abroad, some gang leaders allegedly continued controlling their networks from behind bars in Mumbai, Pune, Thane and Nashik.
They were accused of recruiting shooters, arranging extortion demands and ordering targeted attacks. Ashwin Naik was also accused of ordering the murder of his wife, Neeta Naik, while in prison. However, the police could not establish the charge in court, and he was acquitted in the case.
Similarly, Arun Gawli was accused of orchestrating the murder of Jayant Jadhav, a close associate of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray. The alleged motive was linked to Gawli's transfer from one prison to another.
How Do Gangsters Operate From Prison?
According to the report, corruption within prison systems has historically played an important role in facilitating criminal networks. Some gangsters allegedly maintain connections with prison personnel, using bribes and other favours to secure privileges and communicate with associates outside.
Lawyers and authorised visitors can also become potential channels through which information is passed. Inmates released on bail, acquitted prisoners and individuals taken to court hearings may also facilitate communication between gang members.
The introduction of mobile phones has made the problem more complicated. Smuggled devices can allow incarcerated gang leaders to communicate directly with associates, issue instructions and maintain contact with people outside prison.
Lawrence Bishnoi's case has drawn particular attention in this regard. In March 2023, he gave two televised interviews while in custody, one during Punjab Police custody and another while lodged in Jaipur Central Jail.
In 2024, a video also surfaced allegedly showing Bishnoi speaking to Pakistani gangster Shezad Bhatti through a video call from Sabarmati Jail. An inmate named Hashim Baba reportedly told police that Bishnoi had access to a mobile phone.
The report also raises concerns about allegations that certain gangsters may receive protection or privileges because of their alleged connections with intelligence agencies. Such claims remain allegations and highlight questions about prison security and accountability.
What Happens Next?
In connection with the Tiger Shroff firing case, Mumbai Police is expected to seek Anmol Bishnoi's custody from Tihar Jail. Earlier attempts to obtain Lawrence Bishnoi's custody from Sabarmati Jail had reportedly faced difficulties.
The case once again highlights a major challenge for India's law enforcement agencies: arresting a criminal mastermind may not be enough if the wider network continues to function outside prison walls.
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