In the midst of escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, the quiet removal of Satinderjit Singh, known as Goldy Brar, from Canada’s most-wanted list has drawn significant attention. Brar, implicated in high-profile crimes in India, including the murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala, was added to Canada’s BOLO (Be On the Lookout) Program‘s Top 25 list in May 2023. However, by April 2024, his name was discreetly removed.
Former Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, highlighted this development in October 2024, questioning the sudden disappearance of Brar’s name from the list. Verma stated, “When we were discussing on the government channel (with Canada), we shared the name of Goldy Brar who is also on our list for extradition. In the Canadian system, the RCMP doesn’t bring out any wanted list. But there is a civic organisation ‘Bolo’ which in back-channel consultation with authorities in Canada they take out list of 10 most wanted persons. Next time we looked at the same list, it was all gone. What happened?”
In response, Canadian authorities explained that Brar’s removal was to “make room for recent cases.” The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) clarified that the BOLO Program, supported by a charitable organization, manages the list, and the RCMP collaborates with BOLO but does not control its content. BOLO added that Brar’s inclusion was an exception, as the list typically features Canadian fugitives, and his case was featured for about a year before the annual update.
Brar’s criminal activities have been a point of contention between the two nations. In January 2024, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs designated him a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), citing his association with the banned Khalistani organization Babbar Khalsa International. His connections with jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi have further complicated matters, with allegations of their involvement in transnational crimes.
The removal of Brar from Canada’s most-wanted list has intensified discussions on the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating organized crime. India has expressed concerns over Canada’s handling of extradition requests and the perceived leniency towards individuals involved in serious offenses. This situation underscores the complexities of addressing cross-border criminal activities and the need for transparent and collaborative efforts between nations.
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As the diplomatic dialogue continues, the case of Goldy Brar serves as a focal point in the broader discourse on international law enforcement cooperation and the challenges inherent in managing fugitives operating across borders.
