Canada has renewed its allegations against India, claiming that Indian agents are operating on Canadian soil in collaboration with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to target pro-Khalistan elements. This latest charge, announced during a press conference by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), comes as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate over the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Despite Canada’s accusations, no concrete evidence has been presented to support these claims.
The RCMP stated that its investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing, along with other violent incidents in Canada, has revealed links between Indian agents and organized crime, particularly the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The police further claimed that some individuals and businesses in Canada were coerced into working for the Indian government, allegedly providing information used to target members of the South Asian community, specifically pro-Khalistan activists.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang, already under scrutiny in India for its involvement in high-profile crimes, including the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique, has reportedly expanded its influence in Canada through associates. This connection has raised concerns over India’s alleged role in targeting Sikh communities in Canada. During the RCMP press conference, Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin highlighted that pro-Khalistani elements were the primary targets of this organized activity, attributing it to Indian agents using criminal groups like the Lawrence Bishnoi gang.
The accusations come at a time when Ottawa is under pressure to address its relationship with India and its handling of separatist movements. India has long accused Canada of harboring Khalistani terrorists and individuals linked to organized crime. In recent years, New Delhi has flagged concerns over Canada becoming a safe haven for criminals with ties to Punjab, including figures linked to the killing of popular singer Sidhu Moose Wala, an act for which the Lawrence Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility.
Canada’s move to name the Lawrence Bishnoi gang in connection with its investigation into Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing comes just days after the murder of Baba Siddique, with the gang also taking responsibility for that crime. The timing of these allegations has been seen as an attempt to lend credibility to Canada’s claims, though the lack of evidence remains a sticking point.
Indian officials have dismissed the allegations as baseless, accusing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of engaging in vote bank politics. New Delhi has recalled its top diplomat from Ottawa and expelled six Canadian diplomats, further intensifying the diplomatic row between the two nations. The Indian government continues to challenge Canada to provide evidence of its involvement in the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case, but so far, Ottawa has yet to produce any proof.
