Canadian Report says Bishnoi Gang ‘Acting On Behalf Of’ Indian Govt.

A Royal Canada Mounted Police report says, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang—already accused of extortion and murder-for-hire in Canada—has been ‘acting on behalf of the Indian government.’ The document marked ‘Protected A’ noted, ‘The Bishnoi crime group is known to use violence to further their criminal enterprise, while acting on behalf of the Indian government.’ This is not the first time Canadian security officials have made this claim about Bishnoi. In Oct 2024, the Canadian police had alleged that agents of the Indian government were using organized crime groups like the Bishnoi group to collect information about members of the South Asian diaspora. Balpreet Singh, spokesperson of the World Sikh Organization of Canada claimed it was deeply troubling that Ottawa appeared ‘willing to overlook India’s ongoing campaign of transnational repression and its clear links to the Bishnoi gang at the expense of the safety and security of Canadians.’ The Indian government has not yet responded to the claims. Bishnoi is currently lodged in Sabaramati Jail in Gujarat. Meanwhile, Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Patnaik has dismissed Canada's old allegations linking New Delhi to the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on 18 Jun 2023 outside a Gurdwara in Surrey, asserting that the case is against four individuals and not against the Indian government. Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had alleged in Sep 2023 of a ‘potential involvement’ of Indian agents in Nijjar’s killing. Meanwhile, David Eby, Premiere of British Columbia (BC) arrived in India on a trade mission, a move that was largely opposed by many in BC’s Sikh community, who do not want normalized trade relations until Nijjar’s killers are brought to justice. Eby expressed concern over the document on Bishnoi gang’s involvement with the Indian government. The India trip comes amid continued tensions between the countries as both look to diversify their trade partners in light of US President Donald Trump's steep tariffs on the two countries. Eby also called on Panjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and expressed interest in strengthening business ties (earlier coverage).