Canada Labels Bishnoi Gang a Terrorist Entity
Canada has officially listed the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity, responding to a long-standing campaign of violence and intimidation against Sikh communities. The federal government’s move aims to enhance security, intelligence, and law enforcement capabilities across the country.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said Monday that the Bishnoi gang engages in murder, shootings, arson, and generates terror through extortion. The group has created fear by targeting community leaders, businesses, and cultural figures in multiple provinces.
Support From Political Leaders
Calls for a terrorist designation came from several leaders over recent months. British Columbia Premier David Eby advocated in June, followed by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith in July, and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in August.
The listing now allows Canadian authorities to freeze the gang’s accounts and seize property. It also bars citizens from financing or aiding the gang, led by Lawrence Bishnoi, who allegedly continues to coordinate criminal operations from an Indian prison.
Background on the Gang
The Bishnoi gang gained national attention in Canada last Thanksgiving weekend. The RCMP accused the group of targeting Sikh activists advocating for Khalistan, an independent Sikh state in India. Police investigations in Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia traced similar patterns of extortion and intimidation back to 2023.
Authorities also reported that Indian diplomats shared information on Khalistan supporters in Canada, allegedly allowing the Bishnoi gang to carry out attacks. India denies these claims and says it has been working with Ottawa to prevent illicit financial flows.
Reactions From Officials
Premier Eby called the designation a critical step for public safety. He noted that many Canadians have lived under the threat of extortion and that law enforcement now has tools to seize assets and act quickly nationwide.
Poilievre emphasized the gang’s role in extortion across Surrey, Brampton, and northeast Calgary. He criticized the Liberal government for insufficient action and advocated stricter crime laws and deportation measures to restore safety for local businesses.
Impact on Canada-India Relations
The designation comes amid efforts to rebuild trust between Canada and India after nearly two years of strained relations. In 2023, Canadian intelligence implicated New Delhi in the assassination of a Sikh activist near Vancouver. This revelation led to reciprocal diplomatic expulsions.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is gradually restoring relations, with law enforcement talks forming a key component. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand is scheduled to visit India next month, while the new Indian high commissioner has recently assumed his post in Ottawa.
About Lawrence Bishnoi
Lawrence Bishnoi, imprisoned in India for nearly a decade, reportedly operates a cross-border terror syndicate. Indian authorities have noted that Bishnoi continues to orchestrate criminal activities from jails and through associates in Canada. Media reports suggest he transferred tens of thousands of dollars internationally between 2019 and 2021.
Bishnoi has threatened prominent figures and was implicated in the 2022 murder of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala, who had briefly lived in Canada.
Moving Forward
Canada’s terrorist listing of the Bishnoi gang strengthens law enforcement tools and signals a robust stance against cross-border criminal networks. Officials say swift action and monitoring will be crucial to protecting communities.
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