Recently, the shocking news of politician Baba Siddiqui's murder by Lawrence Bishnoi grabbed headlines, once again driving his notorious name into the public eye. But have you ever wondered how Lawrence Bishnoi became such a prominent figure? What’s behind his rise, and why has the act of killing and openly claiming responsibility for it has become so disturbingly common among figures like him?

Bishnoi, a native of Punjab, is linked to a range of criminal activities, from extortion to murder. His disrepute comes not just from his violent actions, but from the gang he leads, which has built a reputation for ruthless control and intimidation.

In the world of organised crime in India, violence often serves as a currency, a tool for dominance, power struggles, and control. But what’s even more disturbing is how these violent acts have been normalised over time, becoming almost routine in certain circles.

The rise of gangsters like Bishnoi is deeply rooted in a complex web of societal issues. Weak law enforcement, political connections, and a disturbing cultural tendency to glorify criminal figures all contribute to the continuation of this cycle.

When someone like Bishnoi daringly accepts responsibility for a murder, it reflects a deep disconnect between criminality and consequence. It’s not just about one person’s violent actions,it’s a reflection of a system that has allowed such violence to become a normalised part of life.

Organised crime has been a persistent problem in India for decades. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen figures like Bishnoi rise to prominence. Looking back, we can trace the roots to infamous names like Haji Mastan, Varadarajan Mudaliar, Karim Lala, Dawood Ibrahim, Manya Surve, and Bada Ranjan, all of whom ran their operations in a similar manner. Their influence wasn’t just criminal, it was deeply woven into the fabric of certain communities, offering power and wealth in exchange for loyalty.

In the past, a lack of economic opportunities and rampant unemployment pushed many people into the world of illegal activities like  drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, and more. These activities were especially prevalent in cities like Mumbai, where crime syndicates operated almost as parallel governments. Over time, this world of crime expanded to other states, with young men often lured by the promise of quick money and power.

But beyond the headlines and the violence lies a deeper issue: the desperation and disillusionment that many young people face. When society fails to provide opportunities or safety, crime becomes an escape. The dangerous glamourization of gangsters only deepens the trap, leading many to believe that violence and crime are the only paths to success.

Understanding this cycle requires us to look beyond the criminals themselves and at the larger socio-economic and political landscape that allows them to thrive. Until we address these root causes, the cycle of violence, crime, and tragedy will only continue.

Previously the murder of  a prominent Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala  was also attributed to Lawerence Bisnoi. For many, he’s the new-age Bhagat Singh – a hero in their eyes. A growing number of gangsters are becoming icons, fueled by influencers who glamorise crime and quick money. As young men fall for the glamour, they’re risking everything and often, losing their lives. The real cost of this dangerous trend is too high.