Bishnoi Gang Member Shubham Lonkar Threatens Maharashtra MLA Sajid Pathan

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly on Thursday heard allegations of fresh threats issued to Congress MLA Sajid Pathan by Shubham Lonkar, an absconding member of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang who previously operated from Pune. The disclosure prompted intense discussions in the House regarding the state's efforts to track and extradite the fugitive, who is believed to be moving across Southeast Asian countries after fleeing India via Nepal.

During the Assembly session, details of Lonkar's international movements and criminal operations emerged. This followed an earlier discussion on Tuesday, where Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar raised concerns about the state's law and order situation.

Minister Yogesh Kadam informed the House that Lonkar and Aarzoo Bishnoi are currently leading their faction of the gang from outside the country, as the gang's leader Lawrence Bishnoi and his brother Anmol are behind bars. Kadam stated that while Lonkar's exact location remains unconfirmed, he is suspected to be hiding in a nation with which India does not share an extradition treaty.

"We have done paperwork with them," Kadam said, adding that Maharashtra authorities are actively collaborating with central intelligence and security agencies to track down Lonkar and bring him back to face trial.

Police sources revealed that Lonkar is considered a major security threat in Maharashtra. He has been linked to several high-profile crimes, including the murder of former minister Baba Siddique on October 12, 2024, the firing incident outside actor Salman Khan’s residence, and the Rohit Shetty firing case.

Lonkar previously operated a dairy shop in Pune with his brother Pravin, who is currently in police custody. Lonkar was arrested by the Akola police in January 2024 for his involvement in an illegal arms supply case, during which investigators recovered messages exchanged between him and Lawrence Bishnoi. He was later released on bail and subsequently went absconding.

According to police investigations, Lonkar had traveled to Nepal and Azerbaijan for arms training. Upon returning to Pune, he allegedly recruited and brainwashed local youth, including Shiv Kumar Gautam, to carry out the targeted killing of Baba Siddique.