Canada designates Bishnoi Gang as terrorist entity under Criminal Code

The Government of Canada has listed the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code, Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree announced on Monday.

The designation allows Canadian authorities to freeze or seize the group’s assets, including property, vehicles and money, and provides additional tools to prosecute offences linked to financing, recruitment and travel.

It also makes it a criminal offence for anyone in Canada, or Canadians abroad, to knowingly deal with property owned or controlled by the group. Immigration and border officials can also use the listing when assessing admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

“Every person in Canada has the right to feel safe in their home and community and as a government it is our fundamental responsibility to protect them. Specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence and intimidation by the Bishnoi Gang. Listing this group of criminal terrorists gives us more powerful and effective tools to confront and put a stop to their crimes,” said Anandasangaree.

The Bishnoi Gang, described as a transnational criminal network based in India with a presence in Canada, has been linked to murders, shootings, arson, extortion and intimidation. Authorities say the gang has targeted diaspora communities, businesses and cultural figures, creating fear and insecurity.

Officials said the listing strengthens the ability of security, intelligence and law enforcement agencies to counter the group’s activities and safeguard communities in Canada.

Bishnoi, a gangster from Punjab, is currently in Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Central Jail. Notorious for his criminal gangs and for ordering the killings of his rivals from inside this high-profile jail, Bishnoi has been linked to several crimes including the allegations from the Canadian government of fuelling gang-wars, extortions and other crimes in Canada.

It is worthy to note here that Bishnoi's key aide, Goldy Brar, considered the man behind all the gang operations globally, is also miffed with Bishnoi.

As per the media reports, Bishnoi and Goldy Brar have reportedly parted ways but there has been no official confirmation on this.

Brar, who became famous for his criminal activities after singer Sidhu Moose Wala's murder allegedly ordered the shooting at Punjabi singer AP Dhillon’s house in Canada last year.

(with inputs from syndicated feed)