The RCMP’s recent report alleging the Bishnoi gang’s coordination with the Indian government raises significant concerns about Canadian sovereignty and safety.

Allegations of State-Sponsored Crime

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) report obtained by Global News alleges that the Lawrence Bishnoi crime group is operating in coordination with the Indian government to conduct violent crimes and extortion in Canada. The document, classified and distributed internally, mentions these ties multiple times, raising serious concerns about transnational repression targeting pro-Khalistan activists. Despite these findings, the official terrorist designation by the Canadian government omits any mention of Indian involvement, sparking controversy over the lack of alignment between intelligence assessments and policy.

The report’s release coincided with British Columbia Premier David Eby’s trade mission to India, suggesting potential diplomatic considerations at play. The allegations include the Bishnoi gang’s involvement in violent incidents and extortion in Canada, with the gang reportedly driven by financial motives rather than political ones. The RCMP’s claims of the gang acting “on behalf of” the Indian government add a complex layer to ongoing Canada-India relations, marked by accusations of interference and repression.

Impact on Canadian Security and Diplomacy

The classified assessment by the RCMP places Canadian security agencies in a difficult position as the government seeks to negotiate trade deals with India. This tension between security findings and diplomatic engagement complicates the government’s response to the Bishnoi gang’s activities. The lack of acknowledgment of the Indian government’s alleged role in the official terrorist designation raises questions about the credibility of Canadian security assessments and the prioritization of economic interests over national security.

Pro-Khalistan communities are caught in a vulnerable position, facing ongoing threats from both gang violence and alleged state-sponsored targeting. The broader Sikh and Punjabi diaspora communities in Canada experience insecurity and marginalization, with businesses facing extortion threats. This situation underscores the critical need for a transparent and consistent policy approach that addresses both security concerns and diplomatic relations responsibly.

Community and International Reactions

Advocacy organizations like the World Sikh Organization of Canada and the Sikh Federation Canada have criticized the government’s handling of the situation, demanding greater transparency and acknowledgment of the alleged state-sponsored dimension. These groups emphasize the need for accountability and protection for targeted communities, highlighting the risks posed by political convenience overshadowing security realities.

As the Canadian government continues to navigate its diplomatic relationship with India, the allegations of state-sponsored crime by the Bishnoi gang invite scrutiny from international observers, potentially affecting bilateral relations beyond trade. The RCMP’s report calls for a reevaluation of Canada’s approach to foreign interference, ensuring that security assessments are not compromised by diplomatic considerations.

Sources:

RCMP report says Bishnoi gang ‘acting on behalf of’ Indian government

Summit brings federal, provincial and local leaders together to combat extortion in Peel Region

Canadian police allege Lawrence Bishnoi gang operating from Gujarat jail

Bishnoi running crime operations from jail in India: Canada report