New Delhi, Nov 29 (NationPress) The custody of international gangster Anmol Bishnoi, who is the sibling of imprisoned gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has been extended by an additional seven days by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Saturday.

Due to security concerns, the NIA judge took the unusual step of visiting the NIA Headquarters personally to oversee the hearing, prompted by threats perceived against Anmol Bishnoi. His custody now extends until December 5.

Previously, on November 19, a special court had placed Anmol Bishnoi under 11 days of NIA custody.

The NIA identifies Anmol as a pivotal figure in the BKI–Bishnoi gangster syndicate and claims he has been actively involved in its operations. His alleged connections to Khalistani factions and involvement in a wider criminal network are key aspects of the ongoing investigation.

NIA counsel Rahul Tyagi presented the case during the court proceedings.

On the other hand, the defense attorney contended that the NIA already possessed all pertinent evidence concerning the accused and argued that no further custodial interrogation was warranted. They asserted the absence of direct evidence and stated that the accused was prepared to cooperate with the investigation. Consequently, they requested the dismissal of the extension application. However, the court dismissed this plea and decided to extend Bishnoi's custody.

On the same day he appeared in court, Anmol, who had been living in the United States, was extradited back to India and arrested upon his arrival. He had been evading capture since 2022 and is the 19th individual apprehended in relation to the terror syndicate allegedly led by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi.

The NIA noted that Anmol was formally charged in March 2023 after investigations indicated that from 2020 to 2023, he significantly assisted designated terrorist Goldy Brar and his associates in executing acts of terror across India.

According to agency reports, Anmol managed operations from the United States, coordinating with gang members, arranging logistics, providing safe houses for shooters, and overseeing extortion operations targeting prominent individuals in India.

The NIA further emphasized that it continues to explore the broader connections between terrorists, gangsters, and arms traffickers, particularly their operational networks and funding sources.

Anmol Bishnoi is entangled in numerous criminal cases, including charges related to the conspiracy behind the murder of Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra Minister and NCP leader, who was shot dead in Mumbai in October last year.

He is also currently under investigation for an incident of gunfire outside the residence of actor Salman Khan in Bandra in April last year, as well as his suspected involvement in the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, one of the most notorious crimes linked to the Bishnoi–Brar syndicate.

In November 2024, Bishnoi was apprehended in California, USA, for illegally entering the country.