New Delhi: In response to a growing trend of individuals using display pictures (DPs) of notorious gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Dawood Ibrahim, Pune Police have launched a drive targeting those who idolize these figures and use their images to issue extortion threats. This crackdown intensified following the October 12 murder of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Baba Siddique, for which the Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility.Social media surveillance and rising threatsPune Polices social media cell has been actively monitoring accounts displaying gang-related imagery, discovering cases of extortion threats targeting prominent figures, including a jeweler, a journalist, and a resident of Loni Kalbhor. In one instance, a local youth reportedly used Bishnois image as his profile picture, which prompted police action.“We are taking action against all those involved in using the gangsters images and threatening people for extortion,” stated Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma. The crackdown has led to criminal charges against multiple individuals while offering counseling to young offenders, who are often from underprivileged backgrounds and influenced by the “glamorous” portrayal of gangsters.Tackling youth influence by gang cultureAdditional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shailesh Balkawade explained, “The youth are influenced by the exhibited style and fear-driven respect that gangsters receive. Many are drawn to the gun culture depicted in short videos, hoping to impress their peers.” Balkawade noted that certain DPs and accompanying messages also pose a risk to social harmony.While Bishnoi is held in Gujarats Sabarmati Jail, his gangs continued criminal activity has raised societal concerns about his reach. Dawood Ibrahim, who is reportedly protected by Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in Karachi, remains one of Indias most-wanted fugitives, underscoring the allure of gang culture on social media.
