In a significant move, Canada has officially designated India’s Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity, enabling federal authorities to seize its assets and freeze any funds tied to the group within Canadian borders.
The announcement was made by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree on Monday, citing the gang’s involvement in creating fear, violence, and intimidation within Canadian diaspora communities.
Why Was the Bishnoi Gang Blacklisted?
According to Canadian officials, the Bishnoi gang, run by Lawrence Bishnoi, a 32-year-old Indian gangster currently imprisoned, functions as a transnational criminal organization. Though primarily based in India, the gang allegedly maintains a presence in Canadian cities with large South Asian populations.
In 2023, Canadian police accused members of the Bishnoi network of engaging in:
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Targeted homicides
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Extortion
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Drug and arms trafficking
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Violent intimidation of pro-Khalistan activists
Authorities also claimed that some gang members may have been used as proxies by Indian intelligence agents — a claim India denied, citing lack of evidence.
What the Terrorist Designation Means
With the gang now listed as a terrorist organization:
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The Canadian government gains powers to freeze bank accounts, seize property, and restrict financial transactions.
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Law enforcement can prosecute offences related to terrorist financing, recruitment, and travel.
“Specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence, and intimidation by the Bishnoi gang,” said Minister Anandasangaree.
“Listing this group of criminal terrorists gives us more powerful and effective tools to confront and stop their crimes.”
Background on Lawrence Bishnoi
In India, Lawrence Bishnoi is a high-profile gangster suspected of running a 700-member crime network from inside prison. He has been linked to:
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Drug and arms smuggling
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Extortion of celebrities
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Contract killings, including the 2022 assassination of singer Sidhu Moosewala
India has labeled him a serious threat to national security.
Context: Canada-India Tensions
This designation comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to restore strained ties between India and Canada, especially following the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
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Canada accused India of involvement in the killing, leading to diplomatic fallout.
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India has denied any role, and bilateral relations were frozen for months.
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Recently, both countries have appointed new high commissioners and resumed security cooperation talks.
Last week, Canada’s national security adviser Nathalie Drouin confirmed that India has committed to non-interference and cooperation in ongoing investigations.
