Canada revives 'Bishnoi gang' allegation to reignite old charges against India
Canada has accused Indian agents operating on its soil of collaborating with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to target pro-Khalistan elements. Notably, these allegations surface as Lawrence Bishnoi is currently in the spotlight in India for his suspected involvement in the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique.
PTC News Desk: Canada has recently leveled fresh allegations against the Indian government, claiming New Delhi is directly involved in "serious criminal activity" on its territory. Although Ottawa has yet to provide any evidence to support these accusations, it asserts that Indian agents in Canada are collaborating with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to target pro-Khalistan elements.
These allegations emerge as Lawrence Bishnoi is currently in the spotlight in India for his alleged role in the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai. The timing raises questions about the credibility of Canada’s claims.
In a press conference held late Monday night, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) stated that its investigation into the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist shot dead in Canada last year, has uncovered connections between agents of the Indian government and "homicides and violent acts" in Canada.
This press conference followed Canada's assertion that Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and other diplomats are considered 'persons of interest' in the Nijjar murder investigation. The RCMP reported, "Evidence shows that various entities in Canada and abroad have been utilized by Indian government agents to gather information. Some individuals and businesses have been coerced and threatened into cooperating. The information collected is then used to target members of the South Asian community."
Concerns over targeting of the Sikh community
During the press conference, RCMP officials were questioned about whether members of the Sikh community were specifically being targeted by Indian agents. Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin responded that while the South Asian community is affected, there is a particular focus on pro-Khalistani elements in Canada.
She noted, "What we have seen is that organised crime elements are being utilized, notably attributed to one group—Bishnoi Group. We believe this group is connected to agents of the Government of India."
New Delhi has long accused Ottawa of providing refuge to Khalistani terrorists, who were responsible for the Air India Flight 182 bombing, which resulted in 329 fatalities. The ongoing allegations from Canada come amid efforts by Khalistani activists to deflect blame onto India and rehabilitate their image among Canadians.
India has also raised concerns about Canada serving as a safe haven for individuals connected to organized crime. In May, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar criticized Canadian immigration policies following the arrest of three Indian nationals allegedly linked to Nijjar's murder. He stated, "Numerous individuals with links to organized crime from Punjab have been welcomed in Canada. We have informed Canada that these are wanted criminals from India, yet they have been granted visas."
The Indian High Commission in Ottawa raised alarms over the involvement of Canadian-based gangsters in violent crimes in Punjab after the high-profile murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala, which the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility for. The gang, operating primarily in northern India, maintains connections in Canada through its associates, while Lawrence Bishnoi is currently imprisoned in Gujarat’s Sabarmati jail.
Timing of Allegations Raises Questions
Canada's decision to link Indian agents with the Bishnoi gang comes just two days after the murder of Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister. The Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility for this murder, although the police are still verifying these claims. By involving Bishnoi in its investigation, Ottawa may be attempting to lend credibility to its allegations, despite the absence of supporting evidence.
Following the RCMP press conference, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the media, stating that despite repeated requests to collaborate with the Indian government, New Delhi "chose not to cooperate." However, the Indian government has accused Canada of making baseless accusations without substantiation.
In response to the allegations against the Indian High Commissioner, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a sharp statement, asserting that Canada had failed to provide a "shred of evidence" regarding India's involvement in Nijjar's killing. The statement further accused Trudeau of engaging in vote bank politics and not taking adequate action against separatist elements operating on Canadian soil.
The diplomatic row between India and Canada has escalated, leading to New Delhi recalling its top envoy to Ottawa and expelling six Canadian diplomats late Monday evening. The ongoing tensions highlight the strained India-Canada ties and the complexities surrounding the allegations made by Canada regarding Lawrence Bishnoi and the broader issues of terrorism and separatism.