Canada designates India’s Bishnoi gang as terrorist entity
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said on Monday the gang has created “a climate of fear and intimidation” in diaspora communities across Canada
Canada has formally listed India's Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity, a move that allows the federal government to freeze assets and seize property linked to the group.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said on Monday the gang has created "a climate of fear and intimidation" in diaspora communities across Canada, reports the BBC.
"Specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence and intimidation by the Bishnoi gang," Anandasangaree said in a statement. "Listing this group of criminal terrorists gives us more powerful and effective tools to confront and put a stop to their crimes."
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The designation gives Canadian law enforcement powers to pursue offences related to terrorist financing, recruitment and travel.
Last year, Canadian police alleged that members of the Bishnoi gang were used by agents of the Indian government to carry out "homicides, extortion and violent acts" against supporters of the Khalistan movement. India rejected the claim, saying Canada had not provided evidence.
Ottawa describes the Bishnoi gang, led by Lawrence Bishnoi, a 32-year-old imprisoned in India, as a transnational criminal organisation operating mainly out of India but with a presence in Canada. Indian investigators allege Bishnoi continues to run a network of about 700 members involved in extortion, drug and weapons smuggling and targeted killings, says the BBC.
The decision follows calls from opposition lawmakers and provincial premiers in Alberta and British Columbia for Ottawa to impose sanctions on the group.
It also comes as Canada and India attempt to restore relations strained since the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. Then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing, an allegation New Delhi denied.
Nijjar, designated a terrorist by India in 2020, was shot dead outside a Sikh temple near Vancouver. Four men have been charged in the case.
In recent months, the two countries appointed new high commissioners. Prime Minister Mark Carney's national security adviser, Nathalie Drouin, said last week she had "productive" talks with Indian officials, who pledged cooperation on security matters and a commitment to avoid transnational repression.
