Canada has officially designated the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist group in response to pressure from Conservative and NDP politicians. This designation now prohibits Canadians from providing any support or financial assistance to the gang, which is led by Lawrence Bishnoi operating from a prison in India.
Lawrence Bishnoi has been accused of orchestrating criminal operations through a cell phone while in prison. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has levied allegations that the Bishnoi gang was involved in carrying out violent acts and extortions, particularly targeting individuals advocating for an independent Sikh state known as Khalistan.
Despite India denying these accusations, New Delhi claims to be collaborating with Ottawa to disrupt the flow of finances from the gang to Canada. The recent classification as a terrorist entity now enables the authorities to seize assets, freeze accounts, and strengthen efforts to combat criminal activities affecting the Indian diaspora in Canada.
Wesley Wark, a respected expert from the Centre for International Governance Innovation, has expressed concerns that the terror designation may not necessarily deter the Bishnoi gang, highlighting Canada’s challenges in intelligence gathering as a crucial issue.