NIA court extends Anmol Bishnoi’s custody by 7 days

A Special NIA court on Saturday extended the custody of Anmol Bishnoi, brother of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, for another seven days, after the agency sought additional time to continue its investigation.

Special Judge Prashant Sharma conducted the proceedings inside the NIA headquarters rather than the court complex, a shift made after Bishnoi claimed that he faced a threat to his life and requested enhanced security during the hearings. Following his plea, the court agreed to hold the remand proceedings at the agency office.

During the hearing, NIA Special Public Prosecutor Rahul Tyagi pressed for a further 10-day custody, arguing that investigators required more time to pursue leads linked to the wider conspiracy.

Advocates Rajni and Deepak Khatri, appearing for Bishnoi, opposed the extension and urged the court to reject the remand request. After considering the submissions, the judge granted a seven-day extension.

Bishnoi, who was deported from the United States, was earlier sent to the NIA custody for 11 days on November 19.

The National Investigation Agency has accused him of collaborating with operatives of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and members of an organised crime syndicate to raise funds and recruit youths for terror-related activities in Delhi and other parts of the country. According to the agency, the network was allegedly involved in carrying out or planning “spectacular and heinous crimes”, including targeted killings of prominent individuals, with the aim of spreading fear and advancing the objectives of the BKI, a designated terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The NIA also noted that, apart from its primary chargesheet, four supplementary chargesheets have been filed in the case. The agency submitted that Bishnoi had been declared a proclaimed offender on January 17, 2025, pursuant to a court order, and remains a key figure in the ongoing investigation. The matter will be taken up after the extended remand period concludes.