The Kshatriya Karni Sena, a right-wing group in India, has publicly announced a reward of ₹1,11,11,111 for any police officer who conducts an encounter to kill notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, currently imprisoned.

This dramatic declaration comes in response to the growing criminal influence of Bishnoi’s gang, which has been linked to several high-profile murders.

Raj Shekhawat, the national president of the Kshatriya Karni Sena, announced a video message released on X (formerly Twitter). He stated that the reward was a direct response to the murder of the group’s former president, Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, who was gunned down in December 2023.

Shekhawat emphasized that the Sena would take full responsibility for the safety and security of any police officer who accepts the challenge of confronting Bishnoi.

In his video statement, Shekhawat accused Lawrence Bishnoi and his associates of playing a significant role in promoting violence and chaos. "The killer of our precious gem, Amar Shaheed Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi, must be stopped," Shekhawat declared, referring to the slain Karni Sena leader. The group holds Bishnoi’s gang responsible for Gogamedi's murder.

Reports suggest that Gogamedi was killed on December 5, 2023, after receiving death threats from Goldie Brar, a prominent associate of the Bishnoi gang. Brar had earlier warned of an attack on Gogamedi in an interview, further intensifying the conflict between the two factions.

The Karni Sena's involvement

The Kshatriya Karni Sena, historically known for its hardline stance on various cultural and political issues, has now turned its focus toward eradicating what they describe as "gangsterism." The group has vowed to ensure the safety of any officer who takes on Bishnoi, including the protection of their family.

"Karni Sena will provide full security arrangements for the family of the policeman who takes this brave step," Shekhawat said in his video.

The announcement has garnered widespread attention on social media, with many expressing concerns about the public endorsement of extrajudicial killings. Human rights groups have yet to comment on the matter, but the call for violence has sparked debates about the role of law enforcement and vigilante justice in India’s battle against organized crime.

Lawrence Bishnoi: A notorious figure

Lawrence Bishnoi, who has been behind bars for years, continues to wield considerable influence outside prison through his gang. His organization has been implicated in several major criminal activities, including the high-profile murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022. Bishnoi’s gang claimed responsibility for the killing, allegedly in retaliation for a gang rivalry.

The latest controversy surrounding Bishnoi involves the murder of Baba Siddiqui, a leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Mumbai. Bishnoi’s gang has also been linked to that incident, heightening the sense of urgency among groups like the Karni Sena to curtail his influence.

The public offer of a reward for an encounter has raised alarm bells about the growing influence of extrajudicial violence in India. Experts warn that such declarations, while often symbolic, can embolden individuals or groups to take the law into their own hands, further weakening the rule of law.