TORONTO (TIP): Canada has formally designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity under its criminal code, citing the group’s violent activities, intimidation tactics and threats to diaspora communities.
The announcement was made in Ottawa on Monday, September 29, by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. It has come just days after India and Canada’s National Security Advisers held talks in New Delhi, signaling possible cooperation in addressing concerns related to gangsterism and extremism.
On September 22, the Canadian authorities had arrested Inderjit Singh Gosal, a close aide of banned outfit Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on multiple firearms-related charges in Ottawa. As per sources, Gosal was later released on bail, though he is learnt to be on the radar of authorities. Following the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey in June 2023, Gosal took a more prominent role in coordinating diaspora mobilization, including the controversial “Khalistan referendum” campaigns promoted by the SFJ.
The Bishnoi gang is led by Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently lodged in Sabarmati Central Jail in Gujarat. He is accused in numerous charges, including murder, extortion and high-profile assassinations, including of famous Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.
The Canadian Public Safety Minister said the decision to designate Bishnoi gang as a terror entity would give law enforcement “powerful and effective tools” to curb the gang’s activities.
With the addition of Bishnoi gang, there are now 88 entities listed as terrorist groups under Canadian law. The government emphasized that the move reflected Ottawa’s commitment to tackling transnational threats and ensuring public safety. “The Bishnoi gang is not just a criminal network but a terrorist organization that thrives on fear and violence. This designation makes it clear that Canada will not tolerate their crimes,” Anandasangaree said.
After the listing, all property, vehicles and financial assets linked to the Bishnoi gang in Canada can now be frozen or seized. It also becomes a criminal offence for anyone in Canada or Canadians abroad to knowingly provide funds, services or resources to the gang.
“This group has targeted communities, cultural figures, businesses and prominent individuals through murder, shootings, arson and extortion. Canadians deserve to feel safe in their homes and neighborhoods. Today’s decision is about protecting them,” Anandasangaree said.
Originating in India, the Bishnoi gang has grown into a transnational crime syndicate with a footprint in Canada, particularly in areas with significant diaspora population. Security agencies say the outfit uses fear, extortion, and targeted killings to spread terror, often reaching across borders to execute its designs.
Canadian officials said the designation would help border and immigration authorities make decisions on the admissibility of individuals linked to the gang, while also strengthening the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s ability to prevent and disrupt terrorism-related crimes.
(Source: TNS)
(Toronto based Prabhjot Singh is an award-winning journalist recognized for investigative journalism, environment and business reporting, sports and feature writing. A Media Consultant, he has remained associated with various news agencies, including Reuters, and media houses like PTC News (India/Canada), Parvasi Media (Canada) the Liberal World (India), and The Indian Panorama, New York. He is interested in Indian Diaspora and the Sikh Diaspora in particular. His work has appeared in various international and national newspapers, magazines and journals.)
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