Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has been moved to a specialized high-security section of Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Central Jail, an enclosure known as “Block 200” or “Do Sau Kholi.” The facility is designed to house inmates accused of terrorism and other serious crimes, maintaining stringent isolation to limit any interaction with the outside world. Sources familiar with the development indicated that the transfer was executed to restrict the gangster's ability to exert control over his criminal network, which has historically functioned through various communication channels even while he was incarcerated.
Block 200 is divided into four segregated sections, each capable of accommodating 50 prisoners. This architecture prevents inmates from moving between cells, ensuring strict confinement. Bishnoi’s designated cell is reportedly quite compact, measuring approximately 7.5 feet by 11 feet. This facility is currently used to house high-risk prisoners, including convicts from the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case. The management of these inmates involves stringent movement restrictions, specifically those outlined under Section 303 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Before this latest move, Bishnoi was held in “Dus Kholi,” a smaller high-security enclosure designed to accommodate only 10 inmates. His history of incarceration includes stints in Tihar Jail in Delhi and several prisons across Punjab. During those earlier periods, investigators had identified various instances where Bishnoi allegedly used recorded calls to threaten individuals, including call centre owners, and maintain his influence. Several years ago, he was also known to provide interviews and circulate audio or video messages from within prison walls. However, authorities now report that there have been no direct communications originating from him over the past two years.
Under the current security arrangement at Sabarmati, Bishnoi is subject to round-the-clock surveillance. His digital and physical interactions are severely curtailed, leaving him with limited contact with the outside world. This contact is strictly confined to participation in court proceedings via video conferencing and essential consultations with his legal counsel regarding his defence. Inside his cell, reports describe his routine as disciplined, involving morning meditation, the recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa, the observance of religious fasts, and a vegetarian diet.
Despite these extensive security measures and his personal isolation, officials believe that his wider criminal syndicate remains operational. The network functions through a decentralised chain of command, with senior associates coordinating activities from various safe havens abroad. A structure described as a “shadow cabinet” reportedly manages day-to-day operations, including the recruitment of new members, the assignment of tasks, and the logistical needs of the syndicate. This group, along with a parallel team focused on financing and target selection, ensures the continuation of the gang’s criminal activities.
Prominent figures within this external network, such as Goldy Brar and Rohit Godara, are believed to be the key architects operating from international locations. These individuals have reportedly gone underground recently in the wake of the FBI’s Operation Hardball. While the authorities in India continue to impose tighter restrictions on Bishnoi’s movements and communication, the reliance of his syndicate on this decentralised, overseas-based leadership presents an ongoing challenge for law enforcement agencies attempting to dismantle the network's influence entirely.
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