OTTAWA — The Government of Canada has officially designated the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization. This move grants the federal government the power to confiscate assets and freeze the accounts of the organization, which is led by Lawrence Bishnoi.
The federal government stated that this action is intended to help combat crimes targeting South Asian businessmen within Canada. Several prominent political figures and organizations, including the Premiers of British Columbia and Alberta, the Mayor of Brampton, federal Conservative and NDP parties, and various Sikh organizations, had previously urged the government to take action against the gang.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree commented on the designation, stating, “Every citizen in Canada has the right to feel safe in their home and community, and it is the responsibility of the Liberal government to protect them.”
He further clarified the reason for the move, noting that the Bishnoi gang has “subjected specific communities to terror, violence, and intimidation.” He added that listing this group of criminal extremists as a terrorist organization provides a powerful and effective tool to confront and end these crimes.
The move comes after the RCMP last year accused India of utilizing the Bishnoi gang to carry out murders and robberies targeting Canadian citizens, particularly Khalistani separatists.
