A Delhi court has formally framed charges against gangster Lawrence Bishnoi in a major case involving allegations of running an organised crime syndicate. The order was passed by an additional sessions judge at the Patiala House Court, marking a significant step forward in a case that has been under investigation since 2021. Alongside Bishnoi, 19 other accused individuals have also been charged, indicating the scale of the alleged network.
Charges under MCOCA and other stringent laws
The court invoked provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, specifically Sections 3 and 4, which deal with punishment for organised crime and possession of illicit wealth linked to criminal syndicates. In addition, charges under the Arms Act and the Explosives Act have also been framed. These laws are typically applied in cases involving structured criminal networks, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations against the accused.
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Allegations of operating a syndicate from jail
According to the Delhi Police, investigations suggest that members of the syndicate continued to coordinate criminal activities even while lodged in prison. Authorities claim that mobile phones were repeatedly recovered from inmates and were used to maintain communication with associates outside and to plan operations. The alleged crimes linked to the group include murder, attempted murder, extortion, kidnapping and intimidation, carried out in an organised manner for financial gain.
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International links and ongoing investigation
The police have further alleged that parts of the network extended beyond India, with associates operating from countries such as Thailand, Canada and the United States. These claims point to a wider transnational dimension of the syndicate. With charges now framed, the case will proceed to trial, where the prosecution will seek to establish the extent of the accused’s involvement and the functioning of the alleged criminal network.
