In a significant move impacting India-Canada relations, the Canadian government has officially listed the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization. This decision will lead to the seizure of the gang’s assets, the freezing of their bank accounts, and criminalizes any financial assistance provided to the group.
The designation comes in response to calls from Conservative and NDP Members of Parliament and follows allegations by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) last year that the gang was involved in targeted killings and extortion, particularly aimed at Khalistan supporters in Canada. While India had previously dismissed these claims, it has been cooperating with Canadian authorities to curb the gang’s activities.
This new classification under Canada’s Criminal Code is set to have a substantial impact on the gang’s operations within the country. The law now prohibits any dealings in property or financial transactions linked to the Bishnoi gang. The primary objective is to cut off the flow of funds and resources that fuel the organization’s criminal enterprises.
The RCMP, which is responsible for identifying, preventing, and investigating terrorist activities in Canada, will be empowered by this listing. It is seen as a crucial step in strengthening the agency’s ability to combat the gang’s influence and operations.
However, sources suggest that gaining immediate control over the gang’s activities may still prove challenging due to limitations in Canada’s intelligence-gathering capabilities. Despite this, the terrorist designation provides a robust legal framework to prosecute the gang and its supporters, marking a critical development in the ongoing efforts to dismantle their network in Canada.
