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The ongoing legal battle surrounding the custody of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi highlights the complexities of criminal justice and the delicate balance between law enforcement and individual rights. Despite the Bishnoi gang's alleged involvement in high-profile crimes, including the firing outside actor Salman Khan's residence and the recent killing of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique, the Mumbai Police has been unable to secure Bishnoi's custody due to a Home Ministry order barring his transfer.
Bishnoi's current confinement in the Sabarmati jail in Gujarat stems from his August 2023 transfer from Delhi's Tihar jail in connection with a drug smuggling case. The Ministry of Home Affairs, invoking Section 268 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), issued an order prohibiting any state or agency from seeking Bishnoi's custody for a year. This section grants the government authority to restrict the movement of prisoners if doing so is deemed necessary to safeguard law and order.
The original order, initially set to expire in August of this year, has been extended for another year, further hindering the Mumbai Police's efforts to bring Bishnoi before them. This extension suggests the Home Ministry's continued assessment of the potential risks associated with Bishnoi's transfer. The Bishnoi gang, known for its brazen acts and claims of responsibility for high-profile crimes, has become a significant security concern for authorities. Their notoriety extends beyond India's borders, with connections to international criminal networks.
The gang's alleged involvement in the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022 and the recent murder of Baba Siddique underscores the serious threats posed by their activities. The gang's motivation behind these crimes often stems from perceived injustices or rivalries, as demonstrated by their stated motive for targeting Salman Khan. The Bishnoi community's belief in the sanctity of the blackbuck, allegedly violated by Khan in 1998, has fueled a long-standing feud between the actor and the gang.
The current situation presents a complex legal and security dilemma. While the Mumbai Police seeks to investigate Bishnoi's alleged involvement in crimes within their jurisdiction, the Home Ministry's concerns regarding law and order necessitate restrictions on his transfer. The ongoing investigations and legal proceedings surrounding Bishnoi will continue to shape the dynamics between law enforcement agencies, the judicial system, and the threat posed by organized criminal groups like the Bishnoi gang.
Source: This Order Is Stopping Mumbai Police From Taking Lawrence Bishnoi's Custody