India, Jan. 4 -- An interstate extortion network allegedly linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has come under the scanner after police traced a cryptocurrency-driven money trail operating amid Jodhpur to Punjab. The investigation, triggered by the seizure of Rs 91 lakh in northern Rajasthan, has revealed a new and disturbing tactic where the gang allegedly uses non-criminals and unsuspecting common people as couriers to move extortion money, keeping hardened operatives safely in the background.

The case surfaced on the night of December 29 when Sri Ganganagar police, acting on specific intelligence inputs, intercepted a car on Sri Vijaynagar Road. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of three bags containing Rs 91 lakh in cash. Th...