Canada Claims India Collaborated With Bishnoi Gang—Where’s The Proof?

The Canada-India diplomatic row has taken a new turn, with Canadian authorities now alleging that Indian agents are collaborating with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to target pro-Khalistan elements within Canada.

This fresh allegation follows Canada's earlier accusation that India may be involved in "serious criminal activity" on Canadian soil, including links to high-profile killings.

Photo Credit: PTI

Key Allegations Against Indian Agents

During a recent press conference, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) claimed to have identified connections between Indian agents and the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, which allegedly has plans to target pro-Khalistan figures in Canada. Brigitte Gauvin, Assistant Commissioner of the RCMP, asserted that "specific targeting" of pro-Khalistani individuals by Indian agents was facilitated through this criminal gang.

Timing and Context of the Accusations

This latest charge against Indian agents arises as Lawrence Bishnoi's name surfaces in a recent murder case in India-the killing of Baba Siddique, an NCP leader in Mumbai. While the Bishnoi gang has claimed responsibility, Indian authorities are still verifying their involvement. Furthermore, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau added that India has declined to cooperate with Canada's investigation into these incidents, intensifying the diplomatic standoff between the two countries.

Background: Historic India-Canada Tensions over Khalistan

For years, India has voiced concerns over Canada's alleged leniency towards Khalistani supporters and organized crime elements from Punjab. Relations between the two nations took a hit in 2022, when India raised alarms about Canada's role as a safe haven for individuals linked to violent crime in India, particularly after the killing of popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, for which the Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility. In May, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar publicly criticized Canada's immigration policies, arguing that known criminals are receiving visas and finding refuge in Canada.

A Reciprocal War of Words

Following the new accusations, Prime Minister Trudeau reiterated his stance, claiming India's refusal to cooperate in Canadian investigations. However, India's Ministry of External Affairs responded firmly, stating that Canada has failed to present "a shred of evidence" supporting its claims and accused Trudeau of using "vote bank politics" to sidestep pressing issues within Canada, including the activities of Khalistani separatists.

Canadian Investigations and Future Steps

Canada has positioned the Bishnoi gang as a central figure in its case, suggesting that this affiliation lends weight to its accusations. But in response, India has maintained that Canada's accusations remain unsubstantiated and politically motivated, and escalated its response by expelling six Canadian diplomats and recalling its top envoy from Ottawa.

#WATCH | Ottawa, Ontario (Canada): "It (India) is targeting South Asian community but they are specifically targeting pro-Khalistani elements in Canada...What we have seen is, from an RCMP perspective, they use organised crime elements. It has been publically attributed and… pic.twitter.com/KYKQVSx7Ju

— ANI (@ANI) October 14, 2024

The ongoing diplomatic row between Canada and India reveals deep-rooted friction over issues of crime, sovereignty, and political maneuvering, which both nations seem poised to address with escalating measures.