Anmol Bishnoi was taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday after he was deported from the United States and brought to Delhi under tight security. Officials received him at the airport and transported him directly to Patiala House court for formal procedures linked to multiple criminal cases, including those involving murder, extortion and cross-border operations.
His return is a significant development for ongoing investigations into the Bishnoi syndicate, as agencies believe he handled several international communication channels from abroad. The NIA is now preparing for custodial interrogation to track financial routes, handlers, and encrypted communication systems that were used over the last several years.
Officials confirmed that he is named in at least 18 cases across different states, and his time in the US, Kenya and Dubai will be central to questions about overseas coordination. Investigators said his deportation marks a major step in efforts to map the syndicate’s global network.
‘Government should ensure his safety’
A direct appeal for protection came earlier on Wednesday from Anmol Bishnoi’s cousin, Ramesh Bishnoi, who urged the Central government to ensure his safety following his arrival in India. He said Anmol was being targeted because he is the brother of Lawrence Bishnoi and claimed that there were threats surrounding his return.
His appeal highlighted concerns about security during the NIA’s custody period, especially while being moved between detention facilities and courtrooms. Ramesh argued that Anmol’s safety should be guaranteed while legal proceedings continue, adding that the family would hold authorities responsible if any harm occurred.
Officials said all high-risk protocols are already in place, including enhanced surveillance and restricted access, and that these measures apply uniformly to all accused in sensitive national-security or organised-crime cases. The NIA has not commented on the family’s statement but confirmed that standard procedures will continue.
How Anmol Bishnoi ended up in US
Investigators traced Anmol’s trail out of India to early 2021, when he allegedly used a forged passport to escape through Nepal before travelling to Dubai, Kenya and eventually entering the United States. This forged-passport detail became crucial in the immigration actions that ultimately led to his deportation.
A major confirmation of his presence abroad surfaced in April 2023, when he appeared publicly at a Sikh community event in Bakersfield, California. That appearance gave investigators clarity about his location and helped Indian authorities begin a formal track with US agencies.
US authorities detained him on immigration violations shortly after confirming his identity, triggering a chain of legal steps that made him eligible for removal. Indian officials coordinated closely with US agencies to ensure he was handed over securely and transported on a controlled flight to New Delhi.
How Baba Siddique’s son was informed of Anmol Bishnoi’s deportation
An early confirmation of Anmol’s deportation was sent to the Siddiqui family before his flight departed from the US, according to officials familiar with the process. The message informed them that Anmol had been removed from American custody on November 18.
The notification was issued because the family is directly connected to one of the cases under investigation, including the alleged conspiracy involving the murder of politician Baba Siddiqui. Officials said such communication is part of standard protocol when complainants or victims’ families are linked to a named accused.
Zeeshan Siddique, son of the late politician, has been regularly assisting investigators, and officials confirmed that he was informed as part of formal transparency and legal-compliance requirements. The information ensures he remains updated on developments that may impact the ongoing case.
NIA teams now plan to question Anmol on suspected foreign safe houses, encrypted channels, voice notes and threat messages recovered in earlier raids. His deportation, investigators said, could help dismantle significant parts of the syndicate’s overseas network and strengthen several pending cases.
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