'I am not gangster, terrorist... Jai Shree Ram': Lawrence Bishnoi on not being allowed to sport Bhagat Singh on T-shirt

Alleged gangster Lawrence Bishnoi who is accused of several syndicate crimes and running an extortion racket in India and abroad, and currently in is prison, has asked a special NIA court to stop referring to him as a ‘gangster’ or a ‘terrorist’ in official documents and police records. Bishnoi contends that these allegations have not been proven against him. In a formal request submitted to the special NIA court, Bishnoi expressed his dissatisfaction with being treated as a ‘convicted’ person. He stated that he is not allowed to wear a T-shirt featuring an image of Shaheed Bhagat Singh. His plea states, “I have never been found guilty in any of the cases up to this point. However, I have been treated as if I am a convicted prisoner. I have been denied the right to wear a T-shirt bearing the image of the respected patriot, Shree Bhagat Singh, during my court appearances or hearings.” Regarding being labeled as a gangster or a terrorist, Bishnoi stated, “I have my own beliefs and ideas about my past and future, but I strongly object to anyone referring to me as a terrorist or a gangster. I deeply love my homeland, and if I receive ‘justice,’ I am willing to live and die for our beloved Bharat.” Conveying his faith in the judicial system and his strong patriotism, Bishnoi concluded his request with the words, “Vande Mataram… Jay Hind… Jay ShreeRam.” Bishnoi is currently in the custody of the National Investigation Agency, which took over the investigation into the seizure of drugs worth Rs 200 crore from a Pakistani boat off the Gujarat coast in September 2022. Initially, the Gujarat ATS was handling the case, and Bishnoi was charged as the main suspect. He was later brought to Naliya in Kutch, where a court granted custody for interrogation. Subsequently, the NIA assumed control of the investigation and took Bishnoi into their custody.