Canada Designates Indian Gang Linked to High-Profile Killings as Terrorist Entity Amid Rising Tensions
In a move aimed at combating the gang's crimes, Canada's federal government has designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, a powerful Indian crime syndicate linked to high-profile killings, as a terrorist entity. The designation, announced on [date], allows authorities to seize the gang's assets within Canada and enhances their ability to combat the group's extortion, intimidation, and murder of diaspora communities.
According to sources, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has been accused of involvement in the 2023 murder of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar near Vancouver. The killing sparked a diplomatic dispute between Canada and India, with Ottawa accusing New Delhi of being involved in the crime. The Canadian government has also alleged that the gang uses murder, shootings, and arson to extort and intimidate diaspora communities.
The designation comes amid rising tensions between Canada and India, which have been strained over allegations of Indian involvement in Nijjar's murder. "This decision is a significant step forward in our efforts to combat organized crime and protect Canadian citizens," said [Canadian government official], according to a statement released by the Ministry of Public Safety.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has been linked to several high-profile killings, including the 2020 murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala. The group's activities have also been tied to India's ruling government, with some reports suggesting that they receive protection and support from Indian authorities.
Experts say the designation is a crucial step in combating the gang's crimes. "This move will allow Canadian authorities to disrupt the gang's operations and seize their assets," said [expert], a professor of criminology at a Canadian university. "It's a significant development in our efforts to combat organized crime and protect diaspora communities."
The designation also has implications for Canada-India relations, which have been strained over allegations of Indian involvement in Nijjar's murder. The move is seen as a response to Ottawa's demands for greater cooperation from New Delhi in investigating the killing.
As the situation continues to unfold, Canadian authorities are working closely with their Indian counterparts to disrupt the gang's operations and bring those responsible to justice. "We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our citizens and combat organized crime," said [Canadian government official].
Background:
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has been a thorn in the side of diaspora communities for years, using violence and intimidation to extort money from families and businesses. The group's activities have also been linked to India's ruling government, with some reports suggesting that they receive protection and support from Indian authorities.
Context:
The designation comes amid rising tensions between Canada and India, which have been strained over allegations of Indian involvement in Nijjar's murder. Ottawa has accused New Delhi of being involved in the crime, while India has denied any wrongdoing.
Relevant Quotes:
"This decision is a significant step forward in our efforts to combat organized crime and protect Canadian citizens." - [Canadian government official]
"This move will allow Canadian authorities to disrupt the gang's operations and seize their assets. It's a significant development in our efforts to combat organized crime and protect diaspora communities." - [expert]
Current Status:
The designation allows Canadian authorities to seize the gang's assets within Canada and enhances their ability to combat the group's crimes.
Next Steps:
Canadian authorities will continue to work closely with their Indian counterparts to disrupt the gang's operations and bring those responsible to justice.
This story was compiled from reports by The Guardian and The Guardian.