MUMBAI – British Columbia Premier David Eby has dismissed a recently surfaced RCMP report linking the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to the Indian government, characterizing the document as a mere summary of old news rather than fresh intelligence. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai during an official trade mission, Eby’s comments have sparked significant debate, given his previous calls for federal action against the group.
Dismissal of RCMP Findings
The controversy stems from an internal RCMP briefing note, obtained by Global News, which allegedly states that the Bishnoi crime group—listed as a terrorist organization in Canada—was “acting on behalf of the Indian government.”
Premier Eby, however, downplayed the document’s significance, stating that the specific paragraph in question was simply a “summary of publicly available news reports” from late 2024.
“This was not an RCMP intelligence report,” Eby clarified from Mumbai. “It turned out to be a three-page briefing note… allegations we were aware of that were very fully canvassed at the time.”
Sharp Reversal Sparks Criticism
Eby’s current stance is being scrutinized as a major shift in tone. Just months ago, in June 2025, the Premier personally urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to designate the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity to provide law enforcement with stronger investigative tools.
Canadian Sikh organizations and opposition leaders have reacted sharply to his latest remarks, accusing the Premier of prioritizing trade over national security.
- The World Sikh Organization of Canada labeled Eby’s statement “misleading and dangerous,” arguing that senior officials have previously stated they possess evidence of these links.
- Critics allege that Eby is trivializing “transnational repression” to avoid diplomatic friction while pitching B.C.’s mining and energy sectors to Indian investors.
Focus on Trade Diversification
Despite the political tension, Premier Eby defended his six-day mission, citing the need to diversify B.C.’s economy away from a heavy reliance on the United States. He emphasized that India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy and expressed optimism about “matchmaking” Indian firms with B.C. liquefied natural gas (LNG) and mining projects.
While Eby acknowledged the ongoing “criminal trial process” regarding the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, he maintained that sub-national governments must focus on delivering jobs and economic stability for their residents.
