Canadian authorities have publicly accused agents of the Government of India of involvement in serious criminal activity on Canadian soil, citing an extraordinary threat to public safety. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said ongoing investigations have uncovered evidence linking Indian officials to violent crimes, including homicides, extortion, and interference with democratic processes.
Canadian police officials on Monday alleged that agents of the Indian government were working with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to plan and execute violence in the country.
In a rare public statement on an active investigation, the RCMP revealed that Indian diplomats and consular officials in Canada allegedly engaged in clandestine operations, using their official positions to collect intelligence on members of the South Asian community, particularly supporters of the pro-Khalistan movement. Some of the information was reportedly obtained through coercion and threats, involving a range of Canadian businesses and individuals.
In a press conference on Thanksgiving Day in Ottawa, RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gaubin alleged, “What we have seen is the use of organised crime elements, and it’s been publicly attributed to one organised crime gang in particular… the Bishnoi group is connected to the agents of India.”
The statement marks a significant escalation in tensions between Canada and India. Canada and India expelled diplomats as the fallout between the countries worsened. India has strongly refuted all allegations against the diplomats.
According to Ottawa, Deputy Commissioner of Federal Policing, Mark Flynn, attempted to address the concerns with his Indian counterparts earlier this week but was unsuccessful in securing a meeting. Subsequent discussions were held over the weekend between Canadian officials, including the National Security and Intelligence Advisor Nathalie Drouin and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs David Morrison, and representatives of the Indian government. However, Canada’s call for cooperation in curbing the violence and stopping foreign interference remains unresolved.
The RCMP’s investigations have led to the establishment of a special multidisciplinary team to coordinate efforts against the alleged threat. The team has gathered significant evidence detailing the extent of criminal activity orchestrated by agents of the Indian government, including efforts to foster an atmosphere of fear and insecurity within Canada’s South Asian community.
The statement highlights four key concerns: the ongoing threat of violent extremism in both countries, the connection of Indian agents to violent crimes, the manipulation of organized crime to target specific communities, and interference in Canada’s democratic processes. Canadian law enforcement also noted that more than a dozen credible threats to life had been made, prompting action by police to warn members of the pro-Khalistan movement in Canada.
Lawrence Bishnoi is currently lodged at Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Central Jail. The Mumbai Police suspect his involvement in the killing of former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique last week.
Bishnoi has also been accused of masterminding the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala on May 29, 2022.
Canadian authorities are now urging the public to report any incidents of foreign interference or threats linked to the Indian government. Law enforcement is calling for calm within the South Asian community, stressing that the safety and security of all citizens remains a top priority.
