MP in crosshairs of global syndicate, police intelligence fails:Lawrence gang’s entry in state, 6 businessmen threatened; crores demanded as extortion

Madhya Pradesh, once regarded as a relatively peaceful state, is now emerging on the radar of international crime syndicates. In just the past month, operatives linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang have allegedly demanded extortion ranging from ₹5 crore to ₹15 crore from businessmen across multiple cities, even resorting to firing shots to create fear. So far, six cases with a similar modus operandi and voice pattern have been registered. Experts point to gaps in the intelligence network as a key reason such gangs are finding space to expand. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the STF is probing the matter, and around 25 suspects have been arrested to date. Investigations indicate that the gang is being operated by Lawrence Bishnoi’s close aide, Harry Boxer. The group reportedly begins by making calls from international numbers, followed by threatening audio messages on WhatsApp and other platforms. The arrest of Pradeep Shukla, a close associate of Harry, in Morena helped expose the network. According to agencies, Pradeep gathered details of traders in Madhya Pradesh and made extortion calls on Harry’s instructions. He had met Harry in Jaipur in 2022 and played a key role in linking local criminals to the syndicate. The SIT has also taken a minor associated with the gang into remand. Lawrence Bishnoi, currently lodged in jail, is considered one of the most prominent gangsters in the country today. Same pattern in all 6 cases 3 extortion cases in Indore Indore (Nipania)- Ranjan Mittal
WhatsApp calls/voice notes were sent from different international numbers. Family was threatened with death, and money was demanded. Indore… Sanjay Jain, Tukoganj
Threatened through WhatsApp calls, messages and video calls. First demanded ₹10 crores, then ₹15 crore. Jamgate/Indore… Mewada family
The resort operator was first contacted through reception to get the number, then the accused called, identifying himself as Harry Boxer. Demanded ₹5 crore rupees. Gang exposed through arrested accused Demand of ₹10-10 crores in Ashoknagar and Bhopal Ashoknagar… Ankit Agarwal
WhatsApp calls/voice messages came from international numbers. The accused identified himself as a member of the Lawrence gang, revealed his personal information and demanded ₹10 crores. After this, the police became active and caught gang shooter Manish Jangid with 6 petrol bombs. 3 more people, including Pradeep Shukla, were caught. Bhopal… Gaurav Jain, Kolar Road
Demanded ₹10 crore by making WhatsApp calls from unknown numbers. Nirmal Tiwari, a resident of Banda, UP, who made a video of Jain’s house and forwarded it, has been arrested. Kasrawad (Khargone) – Satyendra Rathore, Bhilgaon, … Received threatening calls/voice notes. Demanded ₹10 crores and was fired outside the house. Also sent a video of this. 20 people have been arrested in this case. Money transfer through accounts… Agra resident Pradeep Shukla was responsible for fund transfers for the gang. He had transferred 31,000 bank accounts into Manish Jangid’s account. Pradeep sends amounts through other people’s accounts/numbers. Manish Jangid, caught from Ashoknagar, has revealed that he was in direct contact with Harry. Harry taught him how to make petrol bombs via video call. Pradeep is Harry Boxer’s Henchman… STF SIT has arrested Pradeep Shukla. Pradeep was the main orchestrator of the Ashok Nagar incident. He has direct connections with Harry Boxer. Harry Boxer is linked to the Lawrence Gang. The connections of Rajpal Chandra, arrested in Khargone, with Harry have also been confirmed. – Rahul Lodha (DIG) Chief, SIT (STF) Bhaskar Expert – Vipin Maheshwari, Retd. Special DG Create information network, coordinate with agencies of other Countries Due to the internet and communication revolution, geographical boundaries no longer hold meaning for criminals. The involvement of large gangs in incidents in small towns clearly indicates that criminals are expanding their networks into new areas. To tighten the noose on organised criminals, the first step is to create an effective information system at the local level. After a crime, there is a need to track the digital exchange of information, financial transactions, etc. The information that various agencies have about such gangs should be collected and included in the investigation. Better coordination needs to be established with agencies of other nations for the global mafia. Special teams should be formed for this purpose. They should be given training in new technology and resources.