NEW DELHI: In the murky underworld of global crime networks, the start of 2026 has been marked by a brazen display of force from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, signalling a high-octane offensive that has left law enforcement on two continents scrambling. While executing shootings and extortion in Delhi and Canada — five in less than 48 hours — the gang has been demonstrating an expanded reach and a sophisticated psychological strategy.The duality of their operations — domestic and international — was on full display this week. In a single day, the capital was rattled by two high-profile shootings at business premises. In the incident at west Delhi’s Paschim Vihar, the gang issued a chilling warning: “Next time, if you don’t pick up the call, I will have you picked up from the earth. You will meet the same fate as Nadir Shah…” Shah was gunned down by the gang in south Delhi’s GK I in Sept 2024.
In the second shooting in east Delhi the same night, the gang recorded their act of firing into the air, a signature move to ensure the intimidation goes viral. The reach was mirrored thousands of miles away in Canada on the exact same day when the home of a businessman was sprayed with bullets in Brampton. Two other shootings were also claimed by the gang affiliates in Brantford.“This coordinated synchronicity between Delhi and Brampton highlights a level of command and control that few criminal organisations can maintain,” a retired senior cop remarked.These are not isolated events. Recent months have seen a flurry of similar “message-driven” violence from the gang. In the targeting of multiple restaurants in British Columbia, the group seems to be employing a ‘Robin Hood’ narrative — claiming they only target those who exploit workers or support their enemies — while simultaneously demanding massive extortion sums.Last week, the gang owned up to an attack targeting a Kabaddi League promoter, Davinder Mann, in Delta, Surrey, Canada. Earlier, the gang had claimed responsibility for shootings at Kapil Sharma’s café in Canada, citing alleged worker exploitation and extortion.The Bishnoi gang’s renewed offensive seems to have kicked off around the time the Canadian govt declared it a terrorist entity for engaging in homicides, extortion and violent acts. The gang spent much of 2025 consolidating its footing.Central to this narrative also seems to be a carefully curated rumour that surfaced late last year: a supposed fallout between Lawrence Bishnoi and his long-time lieutenants, Rohit Godara and Goldy Brar. The lieutenants chose sides — while Aarzoo Bishnoi, Harry Boxer, Goldy Dhillon, Nonnie Rana and Kala Rana went with Bishnoi, a few little-known others purportedly went with Brar. Virender Charan, a gangster believed to be close to Bishnoi, was recently cited by Delhi Police as a Godara aide.The whispers of the rift over internal betrayals and the deportation of Bishnoi’s brother Anmol were initially seen as a sign of a crumbling empire. However, this ‘split’ appears to have been a calculated feint.“Both Brar and Godara are entities virtually erected by Bishnoi. They would virtually cease to operate once Bishnoi actually decides to withdraw support. The ‘split’ story has worked to their advantage. The syndicate seems to be using the distraction to strengthen its international logistics,” a source said.Interestingly, their henchmen seem divided and confused. For instance, Bishnoi’s man, Dhillon, as well as Godara’s man, Mahender Delana, claimed a few shootings in Canada on Tuesday, both mentioning common affiliates like Gogi Maan and Kala Rana groups.The law enforcement agencies would need to move beyond this strategic smokescreen behind which Bishnoi is building a global, unified network.
