Gangster Anmol Bishnoi among 200 Indians deported by US
What's the story
The United States has deported 200 Indian nationals, including notorious gangster Anmol Bishnoi, who is a key conspirator in the murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique. The group also included two fugitives wanted in Punjab and 197 undocumented migrants. The deportation flight left the US and was expected to arrive at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport at 10:00am on Wednesday.
Criminal past
Anmol Bishnoi's criminal background and arrest
Anmol, the younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, is wanted in several high-profile criminal cases in India. These include the murder of former Maharashtra minister Siddique, Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, and a shooting outside actor Salman Khan's residence. Intelligence sources say Anmol fled India using a forged passport and was traveling on fraudulent Russian documents between the US and Canada before his arrest.
Arrest details
Anmol's arrest and monitoring in the US
Anmol was arrested in California last year and remained in police custody under an ankle monitor, a GPS-enabled electronic device used to track suspects. His deportation is being carried out from Louisiana. Son of the late Siddique and NCP leader Zeeshan Siddique on Tuesday confirmed receiving an email about Anmol's removal from US territory and urged Indian authorities to ensure his immediate arrest upon landing.
Custody plans
India's plans for Anmol's custody and investigation
Mumbai Police had sent two proposals for Anmol's extradition due to pending cases in Maharashtra. The Union government will decide which agency takes custody first, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) likely to be involved. Investigators believe Anmol directed attacks from abroad through secure channels. He is also accused of coordinating a shooting outside Salman's residence in April 2024.