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AI-generated content may be incorrect.As Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi moved toward restoring diplomatic ties, a political storm erupted in Canada. British Columbia Premier David Eby urged the federal government to designate India’s Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization. His call was echoed by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and senior members of his council.

Brown—joined by Deputy Mayor Harkirat Singh and Regional Councillors Gurpartap Singh Toor and Navjit Kaur Brar—formally petitioned Carney and Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to classify the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity, citing its growing influence and criminal activities in Canada.

Lawrence Bishnoi, currently jailed in Gujarat, India, is alleged to lead a transnational criminal organization responsible for extortion, violence, and intimidation, particularly targeting South Asian communities in Surrey, BC, and Brampton, Ontario. The gang reportedly recruits vulnerable individuals, including international students, to carry out its operations.

A surge in extortion-related crimes has unsettled communities in BC and Ontario. The issue gained traction after a recent meeting in Surrey involving victims of such crimes. While police agencies have confirmed an uptick in extortion reports, they have not definitively linked Bishnoi to these incidents. Even victims often hesitate to cooperate, fearing retaliation.

Despite this, Eby stated he would formally request the terrorist designation, emphasizing the move would grant police enhanced investigative powers. “This activity strikes at public confidence in our justice system and democracy,” Eby said.

Opposition figures in BC expressed skepticism. Elenore Sturko, an Opposition critic, called the demand “dramatic,” noting the absence of direct police confirmation. Former BC solicitor general Kash Heed echoed those concerns, saying such declarations should follow operational, not political, decisions. He argued that invoking Bishnoi’s name might serve more as an intimidation tactic than a reflection of actual gang involvement.

 

Column at a Glance
As Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi work to restore diplomatic ties, a political controversy has emerged in Canada regarding the Bishnoi gang. British Columbia Premier David Eby has called for the gang to be designated a terrorist organization, a sentiment echoed by Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown and his council. They cite the gang's growing influence and criminal activities, particularly extortion targeting South Asian communities in British Columbia and Ontario.
Tuesday Twist
By Prabhjot Singh
Despite police confirming an increase in extortion reports, skepticism remains among opposition figures regarding the gang's direct involvement. The Bishnoi gang, led by Lawrence Bishnoi, is accused of exploiting vulnerable individuals, including international students. Recent arrests linked to the gang have intensified concerns, prompting calls for enhanced law enforcement powers to combat its activities. Brampton officials argue that a terrorist designation would strengthen law enforcement's ability to dismantle this dangerous network.

 

In Brampton, however, Mayor Brown emphasized public safety. “Designating the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization would provide law enforcement with the tools they need to dismantle this dangerous network,” he said. His team underlined the gang’s links to widespread extortion, fear-mongering, and exploitation of marginalized groups.

The gang, originally rooted in northern India, has allegedly expanded its reach globally, including into North America. Although Bishnoi is imprisoned, he reportedly maintains contact with operatives abroad. One associate, Goldy Brar—initially thought to be based in Canada—claimed responsibility for the 2022 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala. Brar remains at large.

Recent revelations about the gang’s activities resurfaced following the arrest of four Indian nationals in connection with the 2024 murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey. All four suspects, arrested in Alberta and Ontario, allegedly had ties to the Bishnoi network.

Maninder Singh Dhaliwal, 35, believed to be leading extortion operations in Canada, is affiliated with the Brothers Keepers gang and was arrested earlier this year in the UAE. Canada has requested his extradition.

Brenda Winpenny of BC’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit confirmed her agency is monitoring individuals linked to the Bishnoi gang. Meanwhile, the World Sikh Organisation's Balpreet Singh supported Eby’s call, suggesting the gang may be used as a proxy by the Indian state.

In a formal letter to the federal government, Brampton officials detailed the gang’s tactics, which include high-profile threats, public claims of violent acts, and systemic targeting of South Asian business owners. They argue that a terrorist designation would empower Canadian law enforcement and send a strong message against transnational organized crime.

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