In this insightful discussion, Rashmi Rajput, an expert on financial crimes at ET, and D Sivandandan, former police commissioner of Mumbai, delve into the chilling resurgence of organized crime in India through the lens of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. They uncover how this once small-time gang has gained prominence amidst high-profile murders and what this means for gang dynamics today. With a focus on strategies for combatting mafia extortion, the duo emphasizes the looming threats in Mumbai and the need for urgent law enforcement innovations.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang's resurgence signals the potential return of organized crime in India, reminiscent of the 90s gangster era.
Law enforcement faces challenges in addressing modern criminal tactics, necessitating improved inter-agency cooperation and enhanced investigative methods.
Deep dives
The Rise of Gangsterism in India
The resurgence of gangsterism in India is marked by the activities of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which has taken center stage in recent criminal events. This gang has evolved from a small-time criminal outfit in the 90s into a significant player in the extortion and organized crime landscape. The gang's operations are sophisticated, utilizing various modules for specialized tasks such as reconnaissance, weapon procurement, and execution, which reflects an organized structure reminiscent of past mafia syndicates. Recent high-profile murders, including the killing of Baba Siddiqui, have thrown the spotlight on the gang's alarming comeback, raising concerns about a possible return to an era of fear and violence that characterized the 90s in Mumbai.
The Challenges Law Enforcement Faces
Law enforcement agencies are grappling with significant challenges in countering organized crime groups like the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The complexities arise from the gang's structured hierarchy, with key players managing operations from various locations, including overseas. Despite the authorities' arrests of several gang members, the ability to apprehend key figures, such as the alleged mastermind Shubhan Lonkar, remains hampered by legal provisions protecting accused individuals in custody. This situation has prompted questions about the efficiency of local police and the necessity for improved inter-agency cooperation to tackle such threats effectively.
Evolving Tactics of Modern Gangs
The tactics employed by modern gangs have transformed significantly compared to earlier eras, as they are now leveraging advanced technologies for their operations. These gangs are not limited to traditional extortion methods; instead, they engage in sophisticated schemes involving illegal betting, drug trafficking, and the use of digital currencies. The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, for instance, seeks to fill the power vacuum left by previous gangs and is creating a formidable presence in the illicit business space. This evolution poses a critical concern for law enforcement, indicating that a multi-faceted approach must be taken to curtail the growth of such criminal enterprises effectively.
India’s underworld, once dominated by figures like Dawood Ibrahim, is witnessing a resurgence with the rise of Lawrence Bishnoi and his gang. Once a small-time outfit, Bishnoi's criminal empire now wields significant power, with the recent high-profile killing of powerful Maharashtra politician Baba Siddiqui sending shockwaves across the country. Is India witnessing the return of an era where gangsters run the business of extortion and fear?
Join host Anirban Chowdhury as he talks to ET’s Rashmi Rajput and supercop D Sivandandan to uncover how the Bishnoi gang operates and what this means for the future of organised crime in India.
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