Appeals Court To Remove “Terrorist” And “Gangster” Labels From Lawrence Bishnoi, Who Is In Prison Due To Drug Smuggling Case

A motion has been made in a special court by Lawrence Bishnoi, a prominent person presently detained in connection with a drug smuggling case being looked at by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). In his motion, he asks the court to issue a ruling ordering the investigating agency to hold off on designating him as a “terrorist” or a “gangster” in official court and police records until there is strong, persuasive evidence to back up such claims.

The court hearings were presided over by Special Judge KM Sojitra, and the NIA has been called upon to respond to this demand. On September 22, there will be a hearing in this matter.

Following his participation in a 2022 drug seizure case connected to a boat off the Gujarat coast, Bishnoi was transferred from police confinement to court custody, and the most recent development came after that. Bishnoi is also charged with murder in the death of singer Sidhu Moosewala.

Bishnoi asked the court to carefully examine his appeal and highlighted the importance of upholding his basic rights as an Indian citizen. According to PTI, his lawyer, Anand Brahmbhatt, submitted the petition on his behalf.

It’s interesting to note that Bishnoi was hauled into prison by the Gujarat Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) from a Punjab jail in April in connection with a case involving the seizure of 39 kg of drugs from a boat off the Gujarat coast in September 2022. A smuggler with a base in Pakistan is said to have ordered this seizure. The NIA then took over the investigation, guaranteeing Bishnoi’s detention until September 18.

Bishnoi, who has served over ten years in prison, voiced his displeasure at getting caught up in several cases by various investigative organizations. He passionately objected to being called a “gangster” or “terrorist,” declaring his love for his country and his ready to sacrifice his life if necessary for it.

He emphasized that there was insufficient evidence to support such accusations and that he had never been found guilty in any of the instances brought against him. He also spoke about the limitations placed on him, such as the ban on wearing a T-shirt with the likeness of revered patriot Shree Bhagat Singh while testifying in court.

In order to unearth a criminal conspiracy involving Bishnoi and wanted Pakistani smugglers, which they claim was being coordinated from inside the prison, the NIA, which was requesting his detention, contended that it was required. Bishnoi allegedly confessed to participating in the distribution of weapons from jail and funded Babbar Khalsa International via his contacts by giving them access to firearms during interrogations.