Jalandhar: A fresh wave of gang rivalry has erupted across borders, as notorious Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and Pakistani-origin criminal Shahzad Bhatti, currently based in the UK, have turned from alleged allies to open enemies — reigniting concerns over transnational gang wars with digital reach and violent consequences.
What began as an online exchange has escalated into full-blown threats, with video messages, social media posts, and even alleged shootouts making headlines. The saga took a dramatic turn when a man named Goldie — reportedly affiliated with the Bishnoi gang — recorded a threatening video outside Bhatti’s residence in the UK, warning of an imminent attack.
Online Threats Go Viral
The video, which has now gone viral, prompted an equally fiery response from Shahzad Bhatti. In a defiant social media post, Bhatti not only confirmed the threat but openly challenged Bishnoi, saying, “If your men have the guts, tell them to come again.”
The gangster-turned-influencer also went live, sharing a video from outside his own residence, where he claimed to have confronted the alleged hitman. “You may scare others, but I am not Sidhu Moosewala,” Bhatti declared, in a provocative reference to the slain Punjabi singer whose murder was linked to the Bishnoi gang. “Try and touch me — you’ll be cut into pieces,” he warned.
Bhatti also accused Bishnoi of orchestrating an attempted hit on him and demanded ₹5 crore, linking the threat to a broader plot reminiscent of the recent Portugal shooting incident, which has brought international scrutiny to Indian gang activity in Europe.
Portugal Firing: A New Front in Gang Conflict
This new tension follows reports of an armed attack in Portugal, marking the first international shootout involving Indian gangsters. A man named Randeep Malik, who is believed to be affiliated with Bishnoi, claimed responsibility for the firing via a social media post, stating that the target was the hideout of Rome and Prince, allegedly rivals of the gang.
A video of the attack circulated online, showing gunmen opening fire — a chilling reminder of how far these gangs are willing to go, even outside India’s borders.
From Eid Greetings to Death Threats
The feud between Bhatti and Bishnoi is particularly surprising given their previously friendly ties. In 2024, a video of a video call between the two went viral, showing Bishnoi wishing Bhatti Eid Mubarak, with Bhatti later declaring in an interview, “Lawrence is like a brother to me. I’d lay down my life for him.”
However, that relationship soured shortly after. Bishnoi later issued a statement distancing himself from Bhatti, calling him an enemy of the country, and denying any personal connection.
Zeeshan Link Adds to Intrigue
The situation has also been complicated by Bhatti’s claim that he helped Zeeshan Akhtar, a wanted man accused of the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddiqui, escape from India. Zeeshan is listed as accused number 2 in a Mumbai Police charge sheet and is believed to be a close associate of Bhatti.
Security Agencies on Alert
With threats now crossing borders and gangsters leveraging social media as a battleground, law enforcement agencies in India and abroad are on high alert. Sources within intelligence circles have raised concerns over the growing influence of Indian gang networks in Europe, especially in countries like Portugal, the UK, and Canada.
While Bishnoi remains in jail, his digital reach — combined with loyal operatives abroad — continues to cause headaches for authorities. Meanwhile, Bhatti’s defiant stance and inflammatory rhetoric are drawing attention from international policing bodies.
A Dangerous Game with Global Stakes
What was once a regional turf war has now transformed into a global criminal conflict, where videos replace bullets — until they don’t. With egos, territory, and reputations on the line, the Bishnoi-Bhatti fallout is a stark reminder of how modern gang warfare has evolved — and how dangerously far it can go.
