Hyderabad: The display of a placard featuring jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi during a Hanuman Jayanti rally at Koti on Wednesday sparked a buzz on social media.The use of his image drew criticism from many, who tagged Hyderabad police seeking action. Videos showing participants carrying the placard while riding bikes and walking in the procession went viral, with reactions divided between opposition and support.When contacted, city police said they would identify those involved and conduct counselling. “We have no intention of registering a case. However, it did not look appropriate to display Lawrence Bishnoi’s photo in a religious procession. We will call them and counsel them,” a senior Hyderabad police official told TOI. Police did not intervene during the procession. The placard also reportedly carried a provocative caption.Bishnoi is an alleged leader of a criminal network involved in cases of murder and extortion. His targets have included several Bollywood personalities and singers. He is currently lodged in a jail in Gujarat.
