In a major turn of events, the Crime Branch of the Mumbai Police officially launched the extradition process of Anmol Bishnoi, brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, after US authorities alerted Indian officials about his presence in the country.

A senior official close to the case said The Indian Express that on October 16, the Mumbai Police submitted before the court that they intended to initiate the extradition of Anmol in connection with the Salman Khan house dismissal case. The crime branch approached a special court in this regard last month.

Authorities alleged that, with Lawerence behind the bar, his 25-year-old brother carried out major criminal operations, including the shooting outside Khan’s home in April. It is pertinent to note that Anmol’s name cropped up during the investigation into the murder of NCP leader (Ajit Pawar) and former MLA Baba Siddique.

NIA announces Rs 10 lakh reward for Anmol

Law enforcement officials alleged that Anmol had spoken to the accused who shot the leader. Last week, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for Anmol. The agency noted that the fugitive has 18 cases registered against him. This includes the case where he allegedly provided weapons and logistical support to the accused who killed Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022.

An official said The Indian Express that Anmol was identified as a wanted accused in Khan’s charge sheet after the Red Corner Notice (RCN) was issued. “Based on RCN, US authorities contacted us a few months ago to alert us to Anmol’s presence in the United States,” the official told the media outlet.

Lack of clarity

Officials noted that it was unclear whether Anmol is currently detained by US authorities, but his possible location within the country may have been traced. The extradition documents have been provided to the Ministry of the Interior, after which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will eventually coordinate the matter with the US authorities.

If the extradition process is approved, the Crime Branch of the Mumbai Police will get custody of Anmol. Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police did not get custody of Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently lodged in Sabarmati prison in Gujarat.

With contributions from agencies.