18 November,2025 08:12 PM IST | Mumbai | Anish Patil
Anmol Bishnoi. File pic
Gangster Anmol Bishnoi, the alleged mastermind behind the murder of former Maharashtra Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique, has been deported to India, senior officers confirmed on Tuesday. He is expected to land at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport around 10 am on Wednesday after the completion of his deportation process by the US authorities.
According to officers, multiple teams of Delhi Police have been directed to remain stationed at the airport to provide security and complete legal procedures.
"Discussions are underway at the Delhi Police headquarters regarding which agency will formally arrest and take him into custody after he is produced before a Delhi court," a senior officer said.
Investigators said Bishnoi faces over 32 criminal cases across the country - including 20 in Rajasthan - involving extortion, kidnapping, attempted murder, and targeted killings.
"The Centre will decide which agency gets custody first," the officer added.
Email sent to victim's family
Baba Siddique's son, Zeeshan, received an official email from the US authorities on Tuesday stating, "Anmol Bishnoi has been removed from the US."
His email had been registered with the authorities as part of victim communication protocols.
"I do not know where he is right now, but they informed me that he has been removed from the US," Zeeshan said.
Mumbai Crime Branch sought custody twice
Sources confirmed that the Mumbai Police Crime Branch had twice submitted applications seeking Bishnoi's repatriation, citing his central role in the murder conspiracy and other major cases. Recently, Interpol approached several agencies, including the crime branch, for identity confirmation, and the required documentation was provided.
Wanted in Salman Khan firing and other plots
Bishnoi is also wanted for the April 14, 2024, firing incident outside actor Salman Khan's Bandra residence, a case in which he allegedly claimed responsibility online. He later emerged as a key conspirator in the killing of Siddique outside his Bandra office on October 12, 2024.
During investigation, the police recovered voice clips from the shooters arrested in the Baba Siddique murder case. The clips reportedly matched with Bishnoi's voice, in which he is allegedly heard issuing instructions and motivating the assailants.
International fugitive with forged passport
Investigators believe Bishnoi fled India several years ago using a forged passport, and has since been moving between Canada, the United States (US), and Kenya. He was briefly detained in California last year, but later released due to procedural issues.
He is also alleged to have used a Russian passport, suspected to be forged.
The accused has additionally been linked to the conspiracy behind the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, as part of the Bishnoi gang's overseas network.
NIA reward and multiple charge sheets
The NIA had earlier announced a Rs 10-lakh reward for information leading to his arrest. The agency has filed charge sheets against him in two cases related to the Bishnoi gang's international operations.
Major breakthrough for Indian agencies
With his deportation now complete, Indian agencies are preparing for a coordinated operation at IGI Airport. His return is seen as a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle the Bishnoi gang's global network, which investigators say continues to operate despite the incarceration of Bishnoi's brother Lawrence.
Further details on custody and court proceedings are expected on Wednesday.
