INVC NEWS
Mumbai – The Baba Siddique murder case has taken a significant turn as the Mumbai Police have now set their sights on Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious criminal with an extensive criminal record. The police are eager to question Bishnoi, and the Mumbai Police have requested custody of him from Sabarmati Jail, where he is currently incarcerated. However, obtaining Bishnoi’s custody is fraught with complexities due to legal and administrative challenges. Bishnoi’s involvement in various criminal activities across different states, including Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, makes his detention and transfer an intricate matter for the authorities.
Lawrence Bishnoi’s Criminal Background
Lawrence Bishnoi is no stranger to the Indian judicial system. With multiple charges of murder, attempted murder, extortion, and drug and arms trafficking leveled against him, Bishnoi has become a name synonymous with organized crime in India. His activities span several states, including high-profile incidents in Mumbai. Over the last year, Bishnoi has been confined in Sabarmati Jail, but his influence and reach extend far beyond its walls.
His notoriety soared even further when his name came up in the Salman Khan death threat case, an incident that shook the Bollywood fraternity and attracted widespread media attention. Following this incident, the police have repeatedly sought his custody to question him in connection with the threat against Khan, but obtaining such custody has proven to be no easy task.
Mumbai Police’s Focus on the Baba Siddique Case
The Baba Siddique murder case is a particularly high-profile matter. Siddique, a well-known politician and influential figure, was brutally murdered in circumstances that remain under investigation. As details of the case unfold, the police suspect that Lawrence Bishnoi could hold crucial information or may even have a direct role in the incident.
With Bishnoi’s name now attached to this high-stakes murder case, the Mumbai Police are determined to question him. However, despite their efforts, the process of transferring Bishnoi from Sabarmati Jail to Mumbai for interrogation is not straightforward. The Centre’s approval and other legal frameworks complicate the situation significantly.
Challenges in Securing Lawrence Bishnoi’s Custody
Obtaining custody of Lawrence Bishnoi for questioning is not just a procedural matter; it involves navigating a complex legal landscape. Experts believe that the Mumbai Police might need permission from the High Court to transfer Bishnoi out of Sabarmati Jail for questioning in the Baba Siddique case. This legal hurdle is compounded by the fact that Bishnoi is already facing several ongoing investigations across multiple states.
Moreover, Bishnoi has been under strict surveillance and protection due to his involvement with Khalistan sympathizers. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested him in connection with terror funding linked to the Khalistan movement, which adds an extra layer of complication to the efforts to secure his custody. The NIA invoked CrPC 268, which restricts Bishnoi’s movement, keeping him within the confines of Sabarmati Jail. This order was due to expire in August, but the Centre extended it for another year at the NIA’s request, further limiting the Mumbai Police’s chances of easily securing his custody.
The Role of CrPC 268 in Lawrence Bishnoi’s Custody
CrPC 268 plays a pivotal role in restricting the movement of prisoners like Bishnoi. This section of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) is often invoked in cases involving highly dangerous criminals or when there is a risk of the prisoner fleeing, influencing witnesses, or continuing illegal activities from outside prison. By invoking this section, the authorities ensure that Lawrence Bishnoi remains confined to Sabarmati Jail unless an exception is granted by the Centre.
The CrPC 268 order imposed on Bishnoi limits the Mumbai Police’s ability to secure his custody without prior approval. Sources within the legal community suggest that any move by the Mumbai Police to question Bishnoi in connection with the Baba Siddique murder case will require explicit permission from the Centre, given that his movements are already restricted under this law.
Mumbai Police’s Persistent Efforts to Question Bishnoi
The Mumbai Police have been relentless in their pursuit of Lawrence Bishnoi’s custody. Their interest in Bishnoi extends beyond just the Baba Siddique murder case. Bishnoi’s alleged involvement in the Salman Khan shooting incident has kept him on their radar for months. After the firing outside Salman Khan’s house, the police intensified their efforts to gain access to Bishnoi for interrogation, hoping that questioning him might lead to a breakthrough in this case as well.
Now, with the Baba Siddique murder investigation gaining traction, the stakes are even higher. The Mumbai Police believe that Bishnoi’s custody is essential for moving the investigation forward. However, it is clear that the police will have to overcome significant legal obstacles to question him.
Lawrence Bishnoi’s Widespread Criminal Network
Lawrence Bishnoi’s criminal activities are not limited to any one state. His operations have been reported in Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, and Mumbai, making him one of the most wanted criminals in the country. His alleged involvement in multiple murders, extortion rackets, and drug trafficking networks has kept the police forces of several states on high alert.
His connections to terrorist organizations and Khalistan supporters only add to the complexity of his criminal profile. The NIA’s involvement in his case indicates that Bishnoi’s activities go beyond traditional organized crime, venturing into the realm of terrorism. The Mumbai Police, fully aware of Bishnoi’s extensive criminal history, are determined to leave no stone unturned in their quest to question him regarding the Baba Siddique case.
