New Delhi, Nov 19 (UNI) A Special NIA Court in Delhi on Wednesday granted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) 11 days of police custody of alleged gangster Anmol Bishnoi, who was arrested upon his arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport earlier in the day.
Anmol Bishnoi, also known as Bhanu, is an accused in a high-profile case concerning a criminal-terror syndicate with links to the banned terrorist organization Babbar Khalsa International (BKI).
The NIA, represented by special public prosecutor Rahul Tyagi, had sought 15 days of custody, arguing that Bishnoi’s custodial interrogation was crucial for the ongoing investigation.
Presenting several key points, it said Bishnoi was declared a “proclaimed offender” by the court on January 17, 2025, after he allegedly absconded from India.
The NIA stated that Bishnoi is a key member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and was involved in a wide-ranging conspiracy hatched from abroad. This conspiracy allegedly involved raising funds, recruiting youth, and planning targeted killings of prominent persons to strike terror in the country.
The agency outlined specific aspects of the probe that require interrogation, including Bishnoi’s precise role in the alleged criminal conspiracy, unearthing incriminating evidence against him and understanding the modus operandi used to commit crimes.
Defence counsel, representing Bishnoi, strongly opposed the NIA’s application, pleading for its dismissal. The arguments included already available evidence and that nothing further was required for police custody. They also argued that the case was not based on any direct evidence.
The counsel stated that Bishnoi was ready to cooperate fully with the investigation and had deep roots in society, implying he was not a flight risk.
As an alternative, the defence urged the court to ensure strict compliance with Supreme Court guidelines from the DK Basu and Mihir Rajesh Shah cases about the treatment of individuals in custody.
After hearing both sides and perusing the case record, Special Judge Prashant Sharma acknowledged the “serious” allegations against Bishnoi. The court noted that the investigation into his specific role and the larger conspiracy needed to be “unearthed.”
While granting 11 days of NIA custody instead of the requested 15, the court imposed strict conditions to ensure transparency and the accused’s well-being.
The case, originally registered by Delhi Police’s Special Cell in August 2022, was taken over by the NIA due to its gravity and international ramifications.
The agency alleges that the syndicate, in league with Pakistan-based pro-Khalistan elements, was involved in arms smuggling, extortion, and planning sensational crimes, including the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala.
Anmol Bishnoi is to be produced before the court again on November 29.
