Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi/Ottawa: Canada has once again leveled serious allegations against the Indian government, claiming that New Delhi is involved in “serious criminal activity” on Canadian soil. In the latest round of accusations, Ottawa has alleged that Indian agents are working with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to target pro-Khalistan individuals. However, no substantial evidence has been provided to support these claims.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) made these accusations during a press conference on Monday night. This comes after Canada’s previous charges that Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and other diplomats were ‘persons of interest’ in the investigation into the 2022 murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
RCMP Claims Indian Agents Involved in Violent Acts
The RCMP stated that its investigation into Nijjar’s murder and related cases uncovered links between Indian agents and “homicides and violent acts” in Canada. The RCMP’s Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin mentioned that the South Asian community, specifically pro-Khalistani elements, are being targeted through organized crime networks, including the Bishnoi gang.
“We believe that the Bishnoi group is connected to agents of the Government of India,” Gauvin said, without providing further details or evidence.
Bishnoi Gang’s Involvement
The Bishnoi gang, led by notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has long been in the spotlight for its involvement in organized crime across northern India. Recently, the gang has been linked to the killing of NCP leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai. The gang also took responsibility for the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala last year. Bishnoi, who is currently incarcerated in Gujarat’s Sabarmati jail, has allegedly maintained operations through his associates, including those based in Canada.
The inclusion of the Bishnoi gang in Canada’s latest allegations has raised questions about Ottawa’s motives, as the accusations come just days after Baba Siddique’s murder.
India-Canada Diplomatic Strain Deepens
The accusations against India have further strained diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Ottawa. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has repeatedly criticized Canada for harboring Khalistani elements and organized crime figures from Punjab. In response to Canada’s latest charges, the Indian government dismissed the allegations as “baseless” and accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of using these issues for political gain.
Where’s the Evidence?
Despite repeated requests from India, Canada has yet to provide any concrete evidence linking Indian agents to Nijjar’s murder or other violent acts. Trudeau reiterated his charges in a media address, claiming that India has refused to cooperate in the investigation. However, India maintains that Canada has failed to offer any proof to substantiate its claims.
The diplomatic row has escalated further, with India recalling its top envoy to Ottawa and expelling six Canadian diplomats. As tensions rise, both nations remain at odds over accusations, with India demanding accountability for Khalistani extremism on Canadian soil.
