Daijiworld Media Network- Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh, May 29: In a significant blow to the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, Naveen Kumar, a key sharpshooter and criminal operative, was killed during a police encounter in Hapur late Tuesday night. Naveen, a resident of Loni in Ghaziabad, was shot during a joint operation conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF), Noida unit, and Delhi Police’s Special Cell near the Thana Kotwali area.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, Naveen succumbed to his injuries. Law enforcement officials confirmed that Naveen was wanted in multiple criminal cases, including a murder and Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) case registered at Thana Farsh Bazar, Delhi. He had over 20 cases against him across Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, ranging from murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery, to organized crime charges. Police also stated that Naveen had previously been convicted in two separate cases in Delhi.

This encounter follows the recent arrest of another key Bishnoi gang aide, Rahul Sarkar, who was caught running the gang’s fake passport syndicate. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Rahul Sarkar on May 23 and secured his remand from the Special Court at Patiala House, New Delhi, for further interrogation.

Investigations revealed that Sarkar was instrumental in facilitating forged passports for gang members, helping them escape the country after committing serious crimes. Among those he aided was Sachin Thapan, a prime accused in the high-profile murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022.

The NIA’s probe into the passport forgery and gang conspiracy was initiated following directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, targeting criminal networks involved in fundraising and recruiting youth for unlawful activities.

Lawrence Bishnoi, the gang’s leader, remains imprisoned since 2014 but continues to wield influence over the syndicate, which is reportedly linked to over 700 shooters globally. Bishnoi faces numerous charges including extortion and multiple murders, all of which he denies.

This latest encounter and arrest mark a critical chapter in ongoing efforts by Indian law enforcement agencies to dismantle the Bishnoi criminal network and bring its members to justice.