Canada has finally listed the alleged Indian government’s RAW Agency Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity, following calls from Conservative and NDP politicians. The criminals associated Bishnoi gang have targeted hundreds of businesses across Canada for extortions including shooting up their businesses as well as behind killing of Sikh-Canadian political leaders.It is a known fact that the Indian government’s Research & Analysis Wing, an agency similar to US’s CIA, has been behind criminals sent to Canada under the ill-advised student program to do their dirty work including killing Sikh leaders in Canada like Surrey Gurdwara president and pro-Khalistan advocate Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Last year, the RCMP accused India of using the Bishnoi gang to carry out murders and acts of extortion targeting Canadians, particularly those who advocate for the creation of a separate Sikh country to be called Khalistan. Since June, BC has launched a $100,000 campaign to spread awareness, and a $200,000 coordinated task force investigating extortion crimes affecting B.C.’s South Asian communities.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff With News Files

OTTAWA – Canada has finally listed the alleged Indian government’s RAW Agency Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity, following calls from Conservative and NDP politicians. 

The criminals associated Bishnoi gang have targeted hundreds of businesses across Canada for extortions including shooting up their businesses as well as behind killing of Sikh-Canadian political leaders.

It is a known fact that the Indian government’s Research & Analysis Wing, an agency similar to US’s CIA, has been behind criminals sent to Canada under the ill-advised student program to do their dirty work including killing Sikh leaders in Canada like Surrey Gurdwara president and pro-Khalistan advocate Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

The listing bars Canadians from financing or aiding the group led by Lawrence Bishnoi, the gang’s leader in India who has reportedly co-ordinated criminal activities from a cellphone inside a prison.

Last year, the RCMP accused India of using the Bishnoi gang to carry out murders and acts of extortion targeting Canadians, particularly those who advocate for the creation of a separate Sikh country to be called Khalistan.

New Delhi initially rejected those claims but now says it has instead been working with Ottawa to try to stop the gang’s financial flows to Canada.

The new designation allows authorities to seize property and freeze accounts, and Ottawa says this will help fight crime targeting prominent members of India’s diaspora in Canada.

Wesley Wark, a senior fellow with the Centre for International Governance Innovation, has previously said that a terror listing likely won’t deter the gang, as Canada’s main issue is a lack of capacity in gathering criminal intelligence.

In June, B.C. Premier David Eby said he would write to Prime Minister Mark Carney to ask that the group receive the terrorist designation.

“This is a serious step,” Eby said at the time. “We don’t make this recommendation lightly, but this activity strikes at public confidence in the justice system, in our democracy.”

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke welcomes the moves by the feds as well.

“I was very pleased that they have taken this move to make the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang a terrorist organization in Canada. I think it’s important. It’s important for policing to have every tool they can in their toolbox,” she told 1130 NewsRadio.

She says South Asian community members in her city have had enough.

“I can tell you the people in the city of Surrey are frightened. Every time I go to an event, I am asked the question. People are scared. There is no question that this is some transnational crime in our city that is causing complete disarray in public safety.”

Earlier this month, Locke and Surrey Police Service Chief Norm Lipinski announced a $250,000 reward available to residents who provide information leading to convictions in cases of extortion affecting the city’s South Asian community.

Since June, BC has launched a $100,000 campaign to spread awareness, and a $200,000 coordinated task force investigating extortion crimes affecting B.C.’s South Asian communities.

Courtesy 1130 NewsRadio