The diplomatic standoff between Canada and India has intensified after the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) claimed on Monday that “agents of the Government of India” have been using organized criminal groups like the Bishnoi gang to target South Asians, particularly pro-Khalistani elements in Canada, the NDTV reported.
RCMP Accusations Deepen Row
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme and Deputy Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin made the shocking claim, which adds to the already strained relations between the two nations following Ottawa’s accusations last year regarding India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen.
“It (the Indian government) is targeting the South Asian community… specifically pro-Khalistani elements in Canada,” said Gauvin during a press briefing.
According to Gauvin, Indian agents are allegedly working with organized crime groups, such as the Bishnoi gang, which operates both in India and Canada, to “collect questionable and illegal information” and execute violent actions ranging from extortion to murder.
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India Strongly Denies the Allegations
India has outright rejected the RCMP’s accusations, calling them “preposterous imputations.” The Indian External Affairs Ministry reiterated that the Trudeau administration has not provided any substantial evidence to support the claims, despite multiple requests. Delhi also dismissed allegations that Sanjay Kumar Verma, India’s High Commissioner, and five other diplomats were involved in any illegal activities.
This latest round of accusations has led to further diplomatic fallout, with India and Canada engaging in a second round of tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats. The Indian government expelled Canada’s acting High Commissioner, Stewart Wheeler, and his deputy, citing security concerns for its own officials in Canada.
Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau doubled down on his accusations against the Indian government, emphasizing that such activities on Canadian soil are “absolutely unacceptable.”
The Bishnoi Gang’s Growing Influence
The Bishnoi gang, led by notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has gained infamy as one of India’s most feared criminal organizations. Operating from Gujarat’s Sabarmati Jail, Bishnoi’s criminal empire extends far beyond India, with gang members like Goldy Brar reportedly operating from Canada.
The gang’s criminal activities include extortion, arms trafficking, and targeted assassinations. It has a vast network of around 700 hitmen, and recent reports link it to high-profile murders, such as the killing of ex-Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique.
Implications for India-Canada Relations
This diplomatic dispute could further strain bilateral ties between India and Canada, with both nations already engaged in a diplomatic spat over Nijjar’s killing. The allegations, paired with a weakening Trudeau administration ahead of the 2025 elections, add further complexity to the evolving geopolitical landscape between the two nations.
