U.S. alerts Mumbai Police on Anmol Bishnoi’s location, Extradition begins in Salman Khan case

U.S. authorities have recently informed the Mumbai Police about the whereabouts of Anmol Bishnoi, the younger brother of gang leader Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently incarcerated in Sabarmati jail, Gujarat. Anmol is wanted for his alleged involvement in a series of serious crimes, including the shooting incident that occurred outside Bollywood actor Salman Khan's residence in April 2023. Following this information, the Mumbai Police's Crime Branch has initiated the process to seek Anmol's extradition to India.

On October 16, 2023, the Mumbai Police filed an application in a special court, formally expressing their intention to pursue Anmol's extradition in connection with the Salman Khan case. The police report claims that Anmol is believed to have orchestrated several operations attributed to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, particularly the shooting that targeted Salman Khan. Investigators have indicated that Anmol has been coordinating gang activities from abroad while his brother Lawrence has been detained.

In addition to the Salman Khan shooting, Anmol's name has been linked to the murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former MLA Baba Siddique. Law enforcement agencies have suggested that Anmol communicated with suspects involved in Siddique's assassination, which occurred in October 2023. Following these developments, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to Anmol’s capture. Anmol is facing a total of 18 criminal cases, which include charges related to providing weapons and logistical support in the 2022 killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.

The issuance of a Red Corner Notice (RCN) against Anmol Bishnoi was initiated based on his identification as a wanted fugitive in the chargesheet related to the Salman Khan case. The RCN facilitates international cooperation in locating and apprehending fugitives. Upon receiving information from the U.S. authorities regarding Anmol's presence in the United States, the Mumbai Police have been actively working with both the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs to expedite the extradition process.

To facilitate Anmol's extradition, the Mumbai Police have prepared the required documentation, which has been submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Ministry of External Affairs will subsequently engage with U.S. officials to coordinate the extradition request. If the extradition is approved, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, which initiated the RCN, will be responsible for securing Anmol’s custody upon his return to India.