Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree declared the Bishnoi Gang a terrorist entity, according to an announcement by the federal government. Anandasangaree emphasized that the gang has been targeting specific communities with terror, violence, and intimidation. By designating this criminal group as terrorists, the government gains more effective tools to combat and halt their illegal activities.
The Bishnoi Gang, originally from Punjab and Haryana in northern India, has expanded into North America in recent years. Despite the imprisonment of its founder Lawrence Bishnoi in India since 2014, the gang has continued its criminal operations, primarily involving drug smuggling, extortion, and violence. The gang’s actions are rooted in a mix of traditional village codes and modern motives related to business and politics.
Public Safety Canada described the Bishnoi Gang as a transnational criminal organization active in Canadian regions with significant diaspora populations. The gang is involved in various criminal activities like murder, shootings, arson, extortion, and intimidation, creating a sense of insecurity within the targeted communities. The designation of the gang as a terrorist entity also allows immigration officials to bar individuals associated with the group from entering Canada.
Notably, the Bishnoi Gang has been implicated in high-profile crimes, including the murder of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala and threats against Bollywood star Salman Khan. Moreover, the gang has allegedly targeted members of the pro-Khalistan movement in Canada, with the RCMP suspecting connections to agents of the Indian government. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has linked the gang’s actions to foreign interference, accusing Indian diplomats of passing information to criminal organizations like the Bishnoi Gang, resulting in violence against Canadians.
Various political figures, including Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, have urged the government to designate the gang as a terrorist organization. Poilievre welcomed the decision, citing the gang’s role in extortion activities that have instilled fear in communities across Canada. The move has garnered support from leaders like Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, B.C. Premier David Eby, and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who view it as a crucial step towards ensuring public safety.
The World Sikh Organization (WSO) of Canada applauded the government’s decision, calling it a necessary initial action. The organization urged authorities to hold accountable any Indian officials involved in directing or financing the gang’s operations. Meanwhile, the Sikh Federation of Canada expressed concerns that designating the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity may not suffice in addressing the broader threats posed by India to the Sikh community, stressing the importance of holding responsible government officials behind the violence in Canada.
