Aftab Poonawala, the prime suspect in the brutal murder of his live-in partner Shraddha Walkar in May 2022, has reportedly found himself on the hit list of the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Sources within Mumbai Police disclosed that Poonawala, who is currently incarcerated for the horrific crime, has become a target of the gang’s extensive criminal network, further complicating his already dire legal situation. This revelation emerged during the ongoing investigation into the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, a crime that the Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for.
Poonawala’s Connection to the Bishnoi Gang
The chilling details surrounding Poonawala’s crime against Shraddha Walkar have already shocked the nation. In May 2022, Poonawala allegedly strangled Walkar and subsequently dismembered her body into 35 pieces, storing them in a refrigerator for nearly 20 days before disposing of the remains across various locations in Delhi’s Mehrauli forest. The gruesome murder came to light in November 2022 when Walkar’s father filed a missing person report, triggering a nationwide investigation.
Reports now suggest that, amid the high-profile nature of the case, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has targeted Poonawala, possibly in connection to the gang’s broader web of revenge-driven criminal activities. While Poonawala’s legal battle rages on, the new threat against him has added a layer of complexity to an already tragic situation.
The Bishnoi Gang’s Growing List of Targets
Sources familiar with the investigation reveal that the Bishnoi gang, known for its violent and expansive network, has a longstanding history of targeting individuals for reasons ranging from personal grudges to criminal rivalries. Aftab Poonawala’s inclusion on this list is only the latest in a string of high-profile targets the gang has been linked to.
The Bishnoi gang, with its sprawling network of over 700 shooters operating across 11 states, has notably been involved in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, whose manager, Shaganpreet Singh, remains a target of the gang. This indicates a pattern of vengeful acts, with rivalries fueling the Bishnoi gang’s activities. Another prominent figure on the gang’s radar is Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, whose blackbuck poaching case in 1998 has led Lawrence Bishnoi to seek revenge, intensifying his desire to target Khan.
Additionally, Kaushal Chaudhary, a gangster currently held in Gurugram, and Amit Dagar, a rival criminal figure, are also reportedly on the Bishnoi gang’s hit list. These names add to a growing list of individuals whom the gang has marked for retribution or elimination, creating an ever-expanding criminal empire with a reputation for ruthlessness.
The Bishnoi Gang’s Expanding Influence
Despite Lawrence Bishnoi’s imprisonment in Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Jail, his gang continues to operate with disturbing efficiency. The syndicate’s operations are now being led by his brother, Anmol Bishnoi, along with another notorious gangster, Goldy Brar. These leaders have ensured that the gang’s criminal activities remain intact, with a reach that extends far beyond the prisons where their original leaders are incarcerated.
The gang’s ability to continue operating despite the incarceration of Lawrence Bishnoi demonstrates its complex and decentralized structure. With the addition of targets like Aftab Poonawala, the gang’s influence and reach appear to be growing, signaling a shift in its focus. While it initially gained notoriety through its involvement in gang wars, killings, and extortion, the inclusion of Poonawala on the Bishnoi gang’s hit list suggests that their activities now span into new and unexpected territories, such as high-profile criminal cases.
Increased Security for Poonawala
Following the discovery that Poonawala is a target of the Bishnoi gang, the Tihar Jail administration, where he is currently being held, has heightened security around the accused. However, despite these measures, jail officials have stated that they have not received any formal communication from Mumbai Police regarding the threat. This lack of official notification has raised questions about the coordination between the police forces and the authorities at Tihar Jail, where high-profile prisoners are housed.
The heightened security measures come at a time when Poonawala’s legal troubles are compounded not only by the serious charges of murder but now, by the added threat of a gang with a known history of violence. The situation adds a layer of tension to an already tense investigation and raises concerns about the safety of individuals involved in high-profile cases.
The Bigger Picture: A Growing Criminal Empire
The revelation of Aftab Poonawala being targeted by the Lawrence Bishnoi gang adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation into the murder of Shraddha Walkar. It also highlights the growing power and reach of the Bishnoi gang, a criminal syndicate that continues to exert its influence across multiple sectors. With its involvement in multiple murders, including the high-profile killing of Sidhu Moosewala, and its deep ties to revenge-fueled vendettas, the Bishnoi gang has become one of the most notorious criminal organizations operating in India today.
As the investigations into these various threats and murders continue, law enforcement agencies are tasked with dismantling a network that seems to grow more sophisticated by the day. For Poonawala, the immediate future is fraught with peril—not only does he face the legal consequences of his crime, but now, he must also navigate the dangerous waters of being a marked man by one of the most feared criminal gangs in India.