Alberta Presses Feds to Declare Bishnoi Gang a Terrorist Entity

Alberta is calling on Ottawa to designate the India-based Bishnoi gang as a terrorist group, saying that such a designation would provide more tools in disrupting the group’s activities and protecting the public.

In a July 14 statement, the province said that South Asian communities in Canada have been “disproportionately targeted” by the gang, which has been tied by the RCMP to the 2023 murder of a Sikh separatist in B.C.

“The Lawrence Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal network responsible for violence, extortion, drug trafficking and targeted killings, including here in Canada. Its reach is global, and its intent is criminal and violent,” the release reads. “We stand with B.C. Premier David Eby and other officials across Canada in calling for immediate federal action. The federal government must use every tool available to dismantle this network and keep Canadians safe.”

In 2024, Ottawa expelled six Indian diplomats following the 2023 murder of Sikh separatist figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar, and Delhi retaliated in turn by expelling six Canadian diplomats. Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at the time that agents of the Indian government were involved in the killing of Nijjar, while the RCMP said agents of the government of India have been found to be engaging in violent criminal activity on Canadian soil. Four Indian nationals have been charged in Nijjar’s murder.

India has denied any involvement in the killing and criminal activity in Canada, and said it is trying its best to stop the Bishnoi gang.

“Formally designating the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity will unlock critical powers, allowing provincial and municipal-level law enforcement agencies to access the necessary tools and resources needed to effectively disrupt operations and protect our people,” the government of Alberta said in its press release. “We are committed to taking action to keep terrorist organizations, gangs and violent criminals from targeting and exploiting the people of Alberta.”

The Bishnoi gang is allegedly headed by Lawrence Bishnoi, 31, who has been behind bars for the past decade and is charged with more than 30 cases of homicide, extortion, and terrorism. According to India’s National Investigation Agency, Bishnoi has a network of associates throughout India’s prison system and via a colleague in Canada.

Last month, B.C.’s Public Safety Minister Gary Begg announced $100,000 for a special Crime Stoppers campaign in the province directed to help victims of Bishnoi extortion schemes, saying, “There is fear in the community at large.” B.C. Premier David Eby also called for Ottawa to declare the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist group in order for authorities to have more power to combat their operations.

“We believe that the more provinces that are supportive, the faster the federal government will move on this,” Eby said.

Brampton, Ont., Mayor Patrick Brown also said last month that the Bishnoi gang is active in his city and committing violent and criminal acts against residents. With “over 700 shooters worldwide,” Brown said that the gang “meet[s] every threshold that is required to be designated as a terrorist organization.”