In a significant move against organized crime, Canada has formally designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity, a decision that also marks a positive step in mending its strained diplomatic ties with India.
AMERICA NEWS WORLD – In a decisive action against international organized crime, the Canadian government declared the Lawrence Bishnoi gang a “terrorist entity” under its Criminal Code on Monday. The move, announced by Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, grants law enforcement sweeping new powers to freeze and seize the gang’s assets and deny entry to its members.
The notification is seen as another positive step forward in repairing India-Canada relations, which had been locked in an all-out diplomatic war in the final months of Justin Trudeau’s prime ministership .
A New Arsenal for Law Enforcement
This official terrorist designation fundamentally changes how Canadian authorities can combat the Bishnoi gang. It becomes a criminal offence for anyone in Canada or abroad to knowingly deal with the gang’s property or finances. This gives law enforcement “more (and sharper) teeth” to prosecute members for a range of offences, particularly those related to financing terrorist activities .
“Acts of violence and terror have no place in Canada, especially those that target specific communities to create a climate of fear and intimidation,” the Canadian government stated .
Heeding Political Calls for Action
The government’s action follows mounting pressure from Canadian politicians. Last month, Frank Caputo, the Conservative shadow minister for public safety, urged Minister Anandasangaree to slap the terrorist tag on Bishnoi .
In a letter shared on social media platform X, Caputo highlighted the gang’s vast criminal empire, detailing its involvement in assassinations and the extortion of Canadian citizens. He stated the gang engaged in illegal activities for “political, religious, and ideological reasons” .
Caputo’s appeal echoed calls from other prominent Canadian figures, including the premiers of British Columbia and Alberta, and the mayors of Brampton and Surrey. The Canadian government has frequently named the Bishnoi gang as a major criminal syndicate within the country, linking it to extensive arms and drugs trafficking .
A Trail of Violence in India and Abroad
Lawrence Bishnoi and his network have been linked to a series of high-profile crimes. The gang gained international notoriety after the brutal murder of popular Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala in May 2022 .
Their alleged portfolio of violence also includes the December 2023 murder of Rajput leader Sukhdev Gogamedi, the October 2024 killing of Maharashtra politician Baba Siddique, and a shooting outside the home of Bollywood star Salman Khan in April 2025 .
However, it was the June 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and pro-Khalistani figure, that cemented the gang’s international ‘credentials’ and sparked a major diplomatic crisis. Then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had publicly claimed, without providing public evidence, that Indian government agents were involved in the killing—an allegation India strongly denied, accusing Trudeau of pandering to Khalistani extremist vote banks .
The dispute led to a severe downturn in relations, with both countries pulling out top diplomats.
A “Reset” in India-Canada Ties
Since Trudeau was removed from office and replaced by Mark Carney, the relationship between New Delhi and Ottawa has shown signs of a slow but steady recovery .
The terrorist designation of the Bishnoi gang is the latest in a series of positive developments. On August 1, Ottawa made a new diplomatic posting to Delhi, the first since officials were withdrawn during the height of the row with Trudeau .
This collaborative action against a shared security threat suggests both nations are keen to move past recent tensions and rebuild a functional, cooperative relationship. The move allows the Canadian government to take a strong stand on crime and terrorism while simultaneously opening a new door for diplomatic engagement with India