Crime Syndicate Connection? Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Allegedly Linked to Canadian Killing
RCMP Points to Bishnoi Group's Role in Targeting Pro-Khalistan Activists
India and Canada recently expelled six diplomats from each other’s countries in a tit-for-tat move following accusations by Ottawa that Indian government agents were involved in the 2023 murder of a Sikh separatist leader near Vancouver.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which is leading the investigation, alleged that Indian government officials were linked to a criminal organization known as the “Bishnoi group.” This group is said to be headed by Lawrence Bishnoi, a figure facing multiple criminal charges in India. His lawyer claims he is contesting over 40 cases, including allegations of murder and extortion, though many trials are still pending.
India has not responded to allegations connecting its officials to the Bishnoi group. When asked for a comment, the Indian foreign ministry did not reply to Reuters’ inquiries. India had earlier dismissed the Canadian accusations about the murder as “absurd.”
Key Information on Lawrence Bishnoi and His Network:
Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?
Lawrence Bishnoi, a 31-year-old law graduate, has been in prison since 2015 and is accused by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) of running a global crime network. Originally from Punjab, Bishnoi has gained notoriety for allegedly controlling his criminal syndicate from various jails across India and coordinating operations in countries like Canada, through associates. His network is suspected of having ties to “pro-Khalistani” groups in neighboring countries like Nepal. However, in a 2022 interview, Bishnoi stated that he opposes the Khalistan movement for an independent Sikh state and denied being “anti-national.”
The interview footage has since been removed, and police are investigating how it came to be recorded.
Where is Bishnoi currently?
Bishnoi is currently incarcerated at the Sabarmati central jail in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Due to safety concerns and his ability to allegedly violate prison rules, he has been transferred between multiple facilities.
What are the accusations from Canada?
While Canada has not outlined specific charges against Bishnoi, the RCMP indicated that there was “specific targeting” of individuals supporting the Khalistan movement in Canada. They accused Bishnoi’s group of claiming responsibility for some of these actions and linked it to Indian agents.
Other Cases Against Bishnoi
Bishnoi and his associates are involved in numerous cases, including murder, extortion, and terrorism charges. One high-profile incident attributed to his network was the 2022 murder of popular Punjabi singer and rapper Sidhu Moose Wala. Indian media reported Bishnoi as a primary suspect in the case, with more than 20 arrests linked to the killing.
In 2018, Bishnoi also made headlines when he allegedly threatened to kill Bollywood star Salman Khan. In 2023, shots were fired near Khan’s residence, though Bishnoi has not publicly addressed the incident. Police later arrested two gunmen, claiming they were acting on orders from Bishnoi’s group.
On a more recent occasion, a lawmaker named Baba Siddique was fatally shot by gunmen in Mumbai. An individual claiming to belong to Bishnoi’s group claimed responsibility for the murder on social media. Police later attributed the killing to Bishnoi’s network, although no direct evidence has been publicly shared.
Bishnoi’s Legal Position
According to his lawyer, who goes by the name Rajani, Bishnoi faces about 40 charges, including murder, extortion, and terrorism, dating back to 2012. Bishnoi has contested these charges, but trials in many cases have not yet begun.
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