In November 2024, a shocking crime rocked India. Baba Siddiqui, a prominent Mumbai politician and three-time state legislator, was brutally murdered. The case gained national attention not just because of Siddiqui’s high-profile connections—he was associated with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan—but also because of the people and forces allegedly involved.

The murder was claimed by the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a name that has become infamous across India. The gang announced their responsibility on social media with a chilling message:
“We do not have any enmity with anyone, but whoever helps Salman Khan… keep your accounts in order.”

The Young Killers and Their Path to Crime

The suspects arrested in the case were young men from poor backgrounds working at a scrap dealer’s shop in Mumbai. These young men were allegedly selected by the Bishnoi gang after their social media activity caught the gang’s attention.

Gone are the days when criminals were recruited through local networks. Today, gangs use social media to find people who show signs of a “criminal mindset.” These suspects had posted videos flaunting weapons and expressing a desire to dominate, making them ideal recruits for the gang’s sinister activities.

The Rise of Lawrence Bishnoi

Lawrence Bishnoi, the gang leader, has become a household name in India’s crime scene. Currently, in jail, Bishnoi’s influence has only grown over the years. His gang operates a network of hundreds of members across the country, with new recruits joining through social media platforms.

Born in Rajasthan in 1993, Bishnoi’s name might not suggest his criminal background. His aunt gave him the name “Lawrence,” thinking it sounded sophisticated due to his fair complexion. However, this seemingly harmless origin story stands in stark contrast to his criminal empire.

The Bishnoi gang first came into the limelight in 2022 after claiming responsibility for the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. Since then, Bishnoi has been seen by some as a modern-day Robin Hood, while others call him a ruthless criminal.

His feud with Salman Khan began years ago, reportedly over the actor’s involvement in the illegal hunting of black bucks, a sacred animal in the Bishnoi community. This grudge has fueled much of his gang’s public statements and actions, including threats and attacks.

Social Media and the Digital Age of Crime

Former police chief Vikram Singh explained how gangster recruitment has evolved. In the past, aspiring criminals had to prove themselves by starting with small tasks like making threats or running errands for gang leaders. Today, the process is simpler—social media posts showing off guns or violent tendencies can attract the attention of gangs like Bishnoi’s.

Singh highlighted how young people are lured into this world because they see crime as glamorous. Social media plays a significant role in this perception, with gang members flaunting power, money, and influence to inspire admiration from economically disadvantaged youth.

This digital transformation has made the police’s job harder. Monitoring criminal activity now means keeping track of online posts, flashy reels, and cryptic messages.

The Dangerous Appeal of Gangsters

Dr. Krishna Dutt, a retired psychologist, explains why young people are drawn to gang culture. He points out that movies and social media have glamorized the image of gangsters. In the 1990s, after the release of the Bollywood film Khalnayak, there was a spike in crimes as young men tried to emulate the film’s villain. Today, social media has replaced movies as the platform for this dangerous idolization.

Bishnoi’s gang uses this to its advantage, showcasing its power online and recruiting young people who see crime as a shortcut to fame and respect.

Global Connections and Political Intrigue

The Bishnoi gang’s reach isn’t limited to India. It has been linked to crimes abroad, including the murder of Khalistani separatists in Canada. This international aspect has added a layer of complexity to the case.

Lawrence Bishnoi’s network has even attracted political attention. Reports suggest that he might be receiving silent support from influential figures, which helps him run his empire from behind bars.

A Growing Crisis

As young people continue to be influenced by social media, authorities are scrambling to find solutions. In Pune, the police have started monitoring online activity to curb the spread of gangster culture. Some officials have even suggested banning social media for children under 12 to protect them from these dangerous influences.

The murder of Baba Siddiqui isn’t just a tragic loss; it’s a stark reminder of how crime, technology, and social media are changing the landscape of law and order in India. The case has sparked debates on how to tackle the growing nexus between online platforms and organized crime, leaving the nation wondering how many more lives will be lost before effective measures are in place.