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The Bishnoi Gang has been officially listed by the Canadian government as a terrorist organisation due to its activities in violence and threats to public safety. Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, noted that terror and violence have no space within Canada, especially when directed against particular groups with the intent of causing fear and intimidation.
In Canada's Criminal Code, the Bishnoi Gang now qualifies as a "terrorist group" according to the law. This classification enables Canadian authorities to examine and penalise any assets, property, or activities associated with the organisation in Canada. In the words of the government, a listing as a terrorist means that anything owned or controlled by the group, property, vehicles, or money, is subject to freezing or confiscation.
It is a criminal offence for any person in Canada, as well as Canadians overseas, to knowingly deal with property of or under the control of a terrorist organisation," the government said. The law also prohibits providing property, directly or indirectly, if it benefits the group. Furthermore, the listing gives immigration and border officials the authority to inform decisions regarding admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
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Transnational Operations And Criminal Activities
The Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal organisation operating primarily out of India, with a presence in Canada, particularly in areas with significant diaspora communities. The gang is involved in murder, shootings, arson, extortion, and intimidation, creating a climate of insecurity by targeting community members, businesses, and cultural figures.
“Listing the Bishnoi Gang will provide Canadian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies with more effective tools to combat their crimes and enhance community safety,” the government added.
Who Is Lawrence Bishnoi?
Lawrence Bishnoi, who is a former Punjab and Chandigarh student leader, is the head of the gang and is associated with high-profile cases in India, including the assassinations of singer Sidhu Moosewala and Mumbai politician Baba Siddiqui. Now a prisoner at Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, he has also made a threat against Bollywood actor Salman Khan. Some of the other well-known members include his younger brother Anmol Bishnoi, Goldy Brar, and Rohit Godara, though the latter two are said to have drifted away from the gang recently.
Minister Anandasangaree said, “Every person in Canada has the right to feel safe in their home and community. 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.