Pune: The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, notorious for its involvement in organized crime across multiple states, has now come under the scanner of Pune Police, who are intensifying efforts to tackle its growing influence in the city.

With suspicions that the gang is actively operating in Pune, the Crime Branch has begun compiling a list of the individuals associated with the gang.

The move comes in light of the recent arrest of Praveen Lonkar, the brother of a known Lawrence Bishnoi gang member, in connection with the murder of Nationalist Congress Party leader Baba Siddiqui.

Praveen's brother, Shubham Lonkar, had reportedly circulated a threatening message on social media before Siddiqui’s murder, raising concerns about the gang’s reach and activities.

Bishnoi gang is now suspected to be establishing a foothold in Pune city. Praveen Lonkar was apprehended in the Warje area of Pune by the Crime Branch team and later handed over to Mumbai Police, who are probing Siddiqui’s murder.

Investigators believe that both Praveen and his brother Shubham were involved in the crime, and efforts are ongoing to locate Shubham, who has been missing since July.

Shubham Lonkar’s descent into the world of organized crime underscores the growing influence of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Originally from Akot village in Akola district, Shubham moved to Pune with his family in 2011.

During his student years, he was a part of the National Cadet Corps (NCC). However, he became fascinated with the Bishnoi gang after watching videos on social media showcasing their criminal activities. His family, concerned by his behavior, tried to limit his access to mobile phones, but by July, Shubham had disappeared from his home.

Shubham is believed to have traveled to Rajasthan, where he established contact with senior members of the Bishnoi gang. His involvement in criminal activities deepened in 2022 when he and his brother were arrested by the Akola Police for illegal possession of firearms.

The police had confiscated five pistols from the Lonkar brothers. After securing bail, Praveen started a dairy business in Pune’s Warje area, while Shubham remained under the radar.