Canada declares Lawrence Bishnoi Gang a terrorist organization, charges serious charges

New Delhi: The Canadian government on Monday listed the Bishnoi Gang, led by Lawrence Bishnoi, as a terrorist organization. This decision followed demands from Conservative and NDP leaders. Under this move, it will now be considered a crime for any Canadian citizen to provide financial support or work for the gang.

The Bishnoi Gang operates from India, and its leader, Lawrence Bishnoi, is accused of controlling the gang’s activities via mobile phone from prison. The Canadian government stated in a press release that the gang is involved in murders, shootings, arson, and extortion, specifically targeting people of Indian origin, their businesses, and cultural figures.

The new listing will empower Canadian law enforcement agencies to take more stringent action against the gang, including seizing their assets, freezing their bank accounts, and prosecuting their supporters. The press release stated that it will now be a crime if any Canadian citizen directly or indirectly supports the gang or deals with its property.

Last year, the RCMP claimed that India was using the Bishnoi gang to carry out murders and extortion in Canada, specifically targeting those who support the Khalistan movement. However, New Delhi rejected these allegations and stated that it was working with Canada to curb the gang’s economic activities.

The Canadian government stated that this move would not only curb crime but also provide a sense of security to the Indian diaspora. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandsangari said in a statement that “violence and terror have no place in Canada, especially when a particular community is forced to live in an environment of fear and intimidation.”