New Delhi:
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on Monday alleged that “agents of the Government of India” are utilizing criminal organizations—specifically the Bishnoi gang—to “target the South Asian community, particularly pro-Khalistani elements” in Canada.
The accusation, made by RCMP Commissioner Mike Duhene and Deputy Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin, escalates tensions that began last year when Ottawa accused Delhi’s “agents” of involvement in the killing of Canadian citizen and Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar.
“The Indian government is targeting the South Asian community, with a focus on pro-Khalistani elements in Canada. From the RCMP’s perspective, we’ve observed the use of organized crime groups,” Ms. Gauvin told reporters.
She added, “One crime group in particular—the Bishnoi gang—has been publicly linked to these activities, and we believe the gang is connected to agents of the Indian government.”
“Bishnoi Gang Linked To Indian Government Agents”: Canada Cops’ Claim
Written by: Chandrashekar Srinivasan
World News
Published: Oct 15, 2024, 10:50 AM IST
Last Updated: Oct 15, 2024, 11:59 AM IST
Read Time: 4 mins
New Delhi:
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on Monday alleged that “agents of the Government of India” are working with criminal organizations, particularly the Bishnoi gang, to “target the South Asian community, specifically pro-Khalistani elements” in Canada.
The charges, brought forward by RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme and his deputy, Brigitte Gauvin, deepen the diplomatic rift that has persisted since Ottawa accused Delhi last year of being involved in the assassination of Canadian citizen and Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar.
“The Indian government is targeting the South Asian community, especially pro-Khalistani elements in Canada. From an RCMP perspective, we’ve observed the use of organized crime elements,” Ms. Gauvin said during a press briefing.
She added, “One crime group, in particular—the Bishnoi gang—has been publicly linked to these activities, and we believe it is connected to agents of the Indian government.”
When asked if “agents of the Indian government” were being accused of involvement in “homicide, extortion, intimidation, and coercion,” Commissioner Duheme responded affirmatively, saying, “Yes.”
Both Duheme and Gauvin further claimed that some Indian diplomatic staff are collaborating with organized crime groups to “illegally collect information on Canadian citizens, which is then passed on to criminal organizations to engage in violent acts, ranging from extortion to murder.”
India has categorically denied the accusations, labeling them as “preposterous imputations.” The Indian government also condemned similar claims made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has accused Delhi of “supporting criminal activities against Canadians” and engaging in “coercive behavior targeting South Asian Canadians.”
India’s Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that despite numerous requests, Canada has not provided any evidence to support its allegations. The ministry also dismissed claims that Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma and five other diplomatic staff are ‘persons of interest,’ all of whom were expelled by Canada for Delhi’s alleged lack of cooperation in the investigation.
Hours after the RCMP’s press conference, Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated his accusations against the Indian government, further intensifying the diplomatic standoff.
“I think it is clear the Government of India made a grave miscalculation by believing they could support criminal activities against Canadians on our soil. Whether it’s murder, extortion, or other violent acts, this is entirely unacceptable,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in response to the escalating allegations.
The remarks came as Trudeau’s government faced declining public support, with the Prime Minister narrowly surviving a second parliamentary confidence vote in two weeks ahead of the 2025 election.
These allegations have further strained India-Canada relations after Canada accused Indian “agents” of involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Nijjar. Despite Ottawa’s claims, India has strongly denied what it calls “preposterous imputations” and criticized Trudeau for accusing Delhi of “supporting criminal activity against Canadians.”
Hours after Trudeau’s statement, both countries announced a second round of diplomatic expulsions. India ejected Canada’s acting High Commissioner, Stewart Wheeler, and his deputy, citing security concerns.
In response to the expulsion of its diplomats, Delhi emphasized that “Sanjay Verma is India’s senior-most serving diplomat” and criticized Canada for pursuing a “strategy of smearing India for political gains.”
The Bishnoi gang—led by Lawrence Bishnoi from his prison cell in Gujarat’s Sabarmati Jail—has rapidly emerged as one of India’s most feared criminal organizations. The gang has also established a base in Canada, with notorious gangster Goldy Brar operating from there.
Known for its extensive network, the Bishnoi gang has carried out numerous murders with apparent impunity, including the recent high-profile killing of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique. Within India, the gang is heavily involved in murder, arms trafficking, and extortion, targeting prominent figures such as Punjabi singers, the liquor mafia, and influential businessmen. These operations are enforced by an army of around 700 hitmen.
Source: ndtv
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