Who is Anmol Bishnoi, the main accused in the murder of Baba Siddiqui?

Anmol Bishnoi, a key figure in India’s crime network and the main accused in the murder of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddiqui, has been deported from the United States and is expected to reach Delhi today. According to an HT report, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) informed Siddiqui’s family through an official email that Anmol was removed from US soil on November 18, ending more than a year of detention proceedings.

Anmol, The younger brother of jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has been on India’s most wanted list for years. Investigators say he served as Lawrence’s main foreign handler and helped run the gang’s international criminal network. Despite his brother serving his sentence in Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Central Jail, the syndicate reportedly remained active, often coordinating operations through encrypted and anonymous channels.

Agencies believe that Anmol worked closely with pro-Khalistan groups like Babbar Khalsa International (BKI). He is suspected of managing extortion operations and directing shooters from abroad in collaboration with Canada-based gangster Goldie Brar. According to a senior NIA official, Anmol used to control extortion threats, financial arrangements and violent actions from outside India, Hindustan Times reported.

His name again attracted attention in April 2024 when he claimed responsibility for the firing outside the residence of Bollywood actor Salman Khan. Later Mumbai Police issued a lookout circular against him. Earlier, he was linked to the conspiracy behind the murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala in May 2022.

In case of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui’s murderInvestigators found that Anmol allegedly kept in touch with the shooters through Snapchat. He was reportedly known by the alias “Bhanu” and played a central role in planning the crime.

Anmol, originally from Fazilka district of Punjab, had left India several years ago using a fake passport. Authorities believe he exited the country via Nepal, then traveled to Dubai and Kenya before reaching the United States. He was detained in the US in November last year, triggering formal deportation proceedings.

With at least 18 criminal cases pending against him and a reward of ₹10 lakh on his return, his return is a significant moment for Indian agencies tracking the Bishnoi network.