The government of Canada has officially listed the Bishnoi Gang as a “terror entity”. Authorities allege the gang is led by jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently in Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad, India. The Canadian government said the gang poses a threat to diaspora communities inside Canada.
The listing came on Sunday, September 29. It followed months of reports claiming the Bishnoi Gang had targeted pro-Khalistan individuals, including Sikh Canadian citizens, in recent years.
India’s Position on the Allegations
The Indian government has denied reports suggesting it used the Bishnoi Gang to target Sikh extremists abroad. New Delhi has instead urged Ottawa to take strict action against terror financiers and separatist networks operating in Canada.
Lawrence Bishnoi is a well-known figure in India, linked to high-profile cases like the killing of singer Sidhu Moosewala and threats to actor Salman Khan. His gang has also been connected to the murder of Mumbai politician Baba Siddiqui.
Canadian Government Explains the Move
In a press release, Canadian officials said: “The Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal organization operating primarily out of India. They have a presence in Canada and are active in areas with significant diaspora communities.”
Gary Anandasangaree, Canada’s minister of public safety, said: “Every person in Canada has the right to feel safe in their home and community. Specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence, and intimidation by the Bishnoi Gang. Listing this group of criminal terrorists gives us more powerful and effective tools to confront and put a stop to their crimes.”
Pattern of Violence
The Canadian government said the gang uses “murder, shootings, and arson” to spread fear. They also use extortion and intimidation against community leaders, businesses, and cultural figures.
In June 2023, the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a gurdwara put the Bishnoi Gang under the spotlight in Canada. In 2024, they claimed responsibility for shootings outside the homes of singers AP Dhillon and Gippy Grewal.
Diplomatic Strain Between India and Canada
The Nijjar case led to a major diplomatic clash. Former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau had accused India of using “criminal organisations like the Lawrence Bishnoi gang” to carry out violence in Canada. Delhi rejected these allegations, highlighting multiple extradition requests for Bishnoi gang members pending with Ottawa.
What a Terror Listing Means
With this decision, the Bishnoi Gang becomes one of 88 groups listed under Canada’s Criminal Code as terrorist entities. This means any property, money, or vehicles linked to the gang in Canada can be frozen or seized. The listing also gives Canadian law enforcement stronger powers to prosecute terror financing, recruitment, and travel cases.
Canadian immigration and border officials can also use the listing to decide if individuals tied to the gang can enter the country.
The move marks a significant step by Canada, aiming to curb transnational crime and reassure diaspora communities of their safety.
