Bishnoi Gang Debate Hits Canada’s Political Stage
The Bishnoi gang has sparked heated debate in Canada as politicians weigh calls to label the group a terrorist organization. With allegations of violence, extortion, and ties to India’s government, the issue now sits at the crossroads of public safety and political strategy.
Who Is Lawrence Bishnoi?
At the center of it all is Lawrence Bishnoi, an Indian gangster imprisoned for nearly a decade. Despite being behind bars, he allegedly directs operations across India and abroad. Reports link him to high-profile crimes, including the 2022 murder of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala, who briefly lived in Canada. Bishnoi has also made chilling threats against Indian celebrities and business leaders.
Links Between the Gang and India
India maintains Bishnoi faces prosecution for his crimes. Yet critics argue he continues to run extortion networks from prison using smuggled phones. National security experts suggest the gang may have once acted as a proxy for India, allegedly involved in transnational repression. While New Delhi denies such claims, suspicions persist.
Criminal Activity in Canada
The Bishnoi gang’s shadow extends into Canada. Police in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario have tied it to extortion schemes targeting South Asian business owners. RCMP investigators even accused the gang of collaborating with Indian officials to intimidate Sikh activists in Canada who advocate for Khalistan. These claims, however, have fueled diplomatic tension with India, which strongly denies any involvement.
Political Calls for a Terror Designation
Canadian leaders are divided on how to respond. B.C. Premier David Eby, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre have urged Ottawa to designate the gang a terrorist group. They argue this move would disrupt financing, recruitment, and cross-border operations. However, Public Safety Canada stresses that such listings follow strict evidence-based criteria, not political pressure.
Why Politics Complicates the Issue
Experts note that Canadian parties walk a fine line between courting Sikh and Hindu voters while managing fragile ties with India. Political scientist Jonathan Malloy explains that the Bishnoi debate is as much about domestic politics as foreign policy. The Conservative Party frames the issue as one of law and order, while Liberals emphasize due process.
Would a Terror Label Make a Difference?
If listed, the Bishnoi gang’s Canadian assets could be frozen, banks would block its accounts, and supporters could face criminal charges. Yet some security experts argue the move would be mostly symbolic. They stress that stronger intelligence gathering and law enforcement reforms matter more than symbolic labels.
What Comes Next?
For now, the Bishnoi gang remains under review, and Ottawa has not confirmed whether it will add the group to Canada’s terrorist list. As political pressure mounts, the debate highlights the complex balance between national security, community safety, and Canada’s fragile relationship with India.
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