Canada designates the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist group, prohibiting support or financing for the organization, led by Lawrence Bishnoi in India. The leader is alleged to have orchestrated criminal activities from prison.
According to Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, the move aims to ensure the safety of all Canadians. The gang has been linked to targeted violence and intimidation against specific communities.
The RCMP has accused India of using the gang for illegal activities in Canada, particularly against supporters of Khalistan, a proposed Sikh state. New Delhi denies these allegations, working instead with Ottawa to cut off the gang’s financial ties to Canada.
The terrorist designation grants authorities the power to seize assets and freeze accounts, strengthening efforts to combat crimes affecting the Indian diaspora in Canada. Despite this, some experts suggest that Canada’s challenge lies in the lack of intelligence gathering capabilities rather than the listing itself.