The transfer of gangster Anmol Bishnoi, younger brother of notorious criminal Lawrence Bishnoi, to Delhi’s Tihar Jail has significantly heightened security concerns, with intelligence agencies warning of a possible gang war inside the high-security prison.

Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently lodged in Gujarat’s Sabarmati Jail, has been incarcerated for several years in multiple criminal cases. His brother Anmol’s arrival in Tihar has revived fears of violent clashes between rival gangs, particularly amid escalating hostility between the Lawrence Bishnoi faction and its former associates.

Home Ministry invokes Section 303 of BNSS

The Union Home Ministry has issued an order under Section 303 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, barring any state police or central agency from taking Anmol Bishnoi into physical custody for one year. As per the order, all interrogations must now be conducted within Tihar Jail itself.

Section 303 empowers the government to restrict the transfer or movement of a prisoner if deemed necessary for security reasons. Similar restrictions were earlier imposed on Lawrence Bishnoi to prevent threats to his life.

Officials say the move was taken following intelligence inputs indicating serious security risks to Anmol Bishnoi, both inside and outside prison.

Anmol Bishnoi cites threat to life

During a hearing at Patiala House Court, Anmol Bishnoi stated that his life was under threat from Pakistani gangster and terrorist Shahzad Bhatti. This claim played a key role in the Home Ministry’s decision to restrict his movement.

Sources indicate that Anmol’s presence in Tihar has put him on the radar of rival gangs, while members of the Bishnoi syndicate already lodged in jail are reportedly celebrating his arrival, fuelling speculation about renewed coordination from inside prison.

Tihar’s violent past raises alarm

Tihar Jail has previously been linked to major gang-related incidents. It was once Lawrence Bishnoi’s base, and investigations revealed that information about the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala was conveyed to him through calls made from Tihar Jail.

In 2023, Tihar also witnessed a brutal gang killing when gangster Tillu Tajpuria was murdered by members of the Gogi gang—an incident captured on CCTV that shocked the prison system.

Rival gangs and escalating threats

The Bishnoi gang has several active rivals, including:

• Rohit Godara gang

• Goldy Brar gang

• Neeraj Bawana–Bambiha gang

• Himanshu Bhau gang

• Jaggu Bhagwanpuria gang

• Kaushal gang

Lawrence Bishnoi and his former associates Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara split earlier this year, triggering a violent feud. Since then, at least three major gang conflicts have been reported between the factions.

Godara and Brar have released videos openly threatening the Bishnoi gang, while alleged Bishnoi affiliates Goldy Dhillon and Hari Boxer released audio clips expressing support for Lawrence.

Adding to tensions, Zeeshan Akhtar—an accused in the Baba Siddiqui murder case—recently released a video from abroad threatening both Lawrence and Anmol Bishnoi. Akhtar was allegedly involved in the Siddiqui killing at Anmol’s behest but has since switched allegiance to the Goldy Brar–Rohit Godara camp.

Pakistani gangster Shahzad Bhatti has also released videos threatening the Bishnoi brothers, despite reportedly sharing links with Lawrence in the past.

Security tightened

Given the history of violence, ongoing rivalries, and recent threats, prison authorities have placed Tihar Jail on high alert. Intelligence agencies fear that Anmol Bishnoi’s presence could trigger fresh attempts at attacks or reprisals inside the prison.

Officials say strict surveillance, restricted movement, and continuous monitoring have been put in place to prevent any untoward incident.