Anmol Bishnoi Seeks Court Protection After Threats from Pakistani Gangster While in NIA Custody

Anmol Bishnoi, brother of notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has submitted a protection application to the court, expressing grave concerns about potential assassination attempts by Pakistani gangster Shehzad Bhatti, reportedly in response to Anmol's social media activities.

Currently in National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody following his deportation from the United States, Anmol Bishnoi's plea emphasizes the severe psychological impact these threats have had on him and his family members.

"Due to persistent threats, the applicant and his family are enduring constant fear, mental trauma, and apprehension of imminent danger," states the application.

The plea further notes, "These threats must be taken seriously, as recent incidents clearly demonstrate that online threats have materialized into actual violent attacks in the real world."

Anmol has requested the court to direct the investigating agency to provide substantial armed police protection during his transit between NIA headquarters and court premises.

His November 27 application specifically requests, "Directions to be issued to NIA for the accused to be taken in bulletproof vehicle and in bulletproof jacket during physical production and directions be issued to the concerned authority for conducting a threat perception and security assessment at the earliest."

In an unprecedented move, Special Judge (NIA) Prashant Sharma conducted a hearing inside the NIA headquarters on Saturday rather than in a conventional courtroom, extending Anmol's custody until December 5.

Previously, on November 19, the court had placed Anmol Bishnoi in 11-day NIA custody.

NIA's Special Public Prosecutor, advocate Rahul Tyagi, explained that the hearing took place at the headquarters following a request from defense counsel.

"Anmol Bishnoi's police custody has been extended for seven more days. He appeared before the court, which convened at the NIA headquarters as requested by the defense. He has disclosed various facts requiring further investigation, for which the NIA is continuing its inquiry," Advocate Tyagi explained.

Anmol Bishnoi, wanted in connection with multiple serious crimes including the murder of NCP leader Siddique, the April 2024 shooting at actor Salman Khan's residence, and the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, was "removed" from the US on November 18.

He was detained in the United States in November 2024.

A fugitive since 2022, Anmol is the nineteenth accused to be apprehended for his involvement in the terror-gangster syndicate led by his imprisoned brother, Lawrence Bishnoi.