Chandigarh, April 7: A social media post attributed to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has sparked concerns regarding the safety of Bhanu Rana, a Karnal native and organized crime figure reportedly residing in the United States. The gang claimed responsibility for Rana’s death on Tuesday, asserting that he was targeted for his alleged defection to rival groups and activities deemed “traitorous.”
The post, which has not been independently verified, warned that “death can come anytime” for those who oppose the gang’s interests. The attackers maintained that Rana’s location in California did not protect him from their reach. However, a youth from Karnal currently living in California stated that there has been no local verification of such a killing, suggesting the claim may be premature or part of a psychological warfare tactic between gangs.
Bhanu Rana’s criminal trajectory began with assault cases nearly a decade ago and escalated to high-stakes extortion targeting jewellers and immigration firms. Police records affirmed that he had established a significant presence in organized crime before his departure from India. In June 2025, the Haryana STF seized hand grenades from his associates, highlighting his continued involvement in violent networks despite being abroad.
Official sources maintained that any definitive statement on the matter would depend on investigative inputs from the United States. “The matter is under active investigation, and all necessary steps are being taken to bring those responsible to justice,” authorities affirmed regarding the broader network. The incident underscores the increasing tendency of Indian crime syndicates to use digital platforms to claim credit for transnational operations.
