Anandpal Singh Didwana, a notorious Indian gangster, primarily operated in Rajasthan’s cities. He was among the most wanted, with a substantial bounty on his head. His death in 2017 sparked widespread unrest across Rajasthan.

Wiki/Biography

Anandpal Singh was born on Saturday, May 31, 1975 (age 42 at the time of death) in Sanvrad, Didwana, Nagaur District, Rajasthan. His astrological sign was Gemini. He received his schooling from a private Rajasthani school and later pursued a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) at Rajasthan’s Sujla Mahavidyalaya. Academically gifted, his father envisioned a career for him as a government teacher. Following his marriage, Anandpal established a cement business and owned a dairy farm with over eight cows and buffaloes.

Physical Appearance

• Hair Color: Black
• Eye Color: Black

Family & Caste

Anandpal Singh hailed from a Ravana Rajput family. He was the son of Hukam Singh Chouhan and Nirmal Kanwar. He had a younger brother, Viki, and a sister. In 1992, he married Raj Kanwar, and they had a son, Charanjit Kanwar Chouhan, and two daughters, Chinu and Yogita Singh. He also had a relationship with Anuradha Chaudhary, a software engineer.

Killed His Own Friend

Anandpal’s story began in 1992 around his wedding. Rajasthan’s societal norms regarding Rajput lineage played a significant role. His close bond with Jeevanram Godara, a student leader, led to Godara’s involvement in his wedding ceremony. However, in 2006, Anandpal tragically killed Godara, allegedly as revenge for the murder of a Rajput, Madan Singh (an Indian Army personnel). This resulted in his conviction by a Rajasthan court.

A Common Man-turned-Gangster

Anandpal’s foray into politics began in 1999 with a successful Panchayat Samiti election win in Sanvrad. A subsequent bid for Pradhan of Ladnu Panchayat Samiti narrowly failed. His involvement in politics led to his first police case in 2000 for obstructing government work. By 2006, he was deeply involved in criminal activities, including illegal liquor trade.

Escaped The Police Custody

Imprisoned in 2012 for various crimes, Anandpal dramatically escaped police custody on September 3, 2015, while being transported to Ajmer’s high-security jail. This escape cemented his status as one of Rajasthan’s most wanted criminals, prompting a significant police manhunt.

Illegal Property & Wealth

The Rajasthan Police documented Anandpal and his brothers’ acquisition of substantial wealth through criminal activities. His family’s unexplained affluence included expensive education for his children and multiple properties in various Rajasthani cities. Authorities eventually seized a considerable amount of his land and other assets.

Robin-Hood of the Rajput Community

Despite facing multiple criminal charges (murder, robbery, extortion, and gang warfare), Anandpal was viewed by many as a Robin Hood figure, redistributing wealth from the rich to the poor. His unwavering loyalty among his criminal associates was also well-known. A notable example is Balveer Banuda, who saved Anandpal’s life during a Bikaner jail gang war.

An Attempt to Surrender

In May 2017, Anandpal’s lawyer attempted to negotiate his surrender, highlighting perceived injustices and threats to his safety. His lawyer contacted the Rajasthan Governor and High Court, requesting security and a fair investigation.

Death

According to Rajasthan officials, Anandpal was killed in a police raid on June 24, 2017, in Churu District. However, his family disputed this, claiming he intended to surrender and alleging foul play by the police. The family’s calls for a CBI investigation were initially rejected by the then home minister, Gulab Chand Kataria.

Protests and Cremation

The government’s refusal to conduct a CBI inquiry fueled significant protests by the Rajput community. These protests, partly fueled by Anandpal’s Robin Hood image, resulted in internet shutdowns in several districts to suppress dissent. The cremation itself was delayed due to ongoing disputes and protests.

Facts/Trivia

• Anandpal was affectionately known as “Pappu” by family and friends.
• His life inspired the web series “Rangbaaz Phirse.”
• He enjoyed reading novels.
• He was known for his fondness of AK-47 rifles.
• Anuradha Chaudhary played a significant role in his gang.

Anandpal Singh’s Family Details