The Canadian government has officially designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity under the country&rsquo;s Criminal Code, following growing political and community pressure amid a wave of violent incidents and extortion targeting the Indian diaspora.
The move, announced by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, enables authorities to freeze assets, seize property, and pursue criminal charges against affiliates, while also barring Canadians from providing financial or material support to the group. 
&ldquo;This designation gives law enforcement enhanced powers to combat a group that has instilled fear through violence and intimidation,&rdquo; Anandasangaree said.
The Bishnoi gang, a transnational syndicate that originated in Rajasthan and is led by Lawrence Bishnoi, has been active in British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta. 
Since 2023, it has been linked to more than 50 violent incidents, including firebombings at the homes of Punjabi singers A P Dhillon and Gippy Grewal, a shooting at comedian Kapil Sharma&rsquo;s Surrey caf&eacute; in August, and widespread extortion rackets within South Asian communities.
Political leaders had been pressing Ottawa for months to act. 
British Columbia Premier David Eby in June urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to designate the gang, calling it &ldquo;state-sponsored terror on our soil.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, and Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke later echoed the demand.&nbsp;
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre tied the call to his anti-crime platform in August, while NDP MPs and Shadow Public Safety Minister Frank Caputo also pushed for action.
In October 2024, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme further linked the gang to &ldquo;state-sponsored operations,&rdquo; including the June 2023 killing of Khalistan activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey. 
India, however, rejected those claims, stressing that it had instead shared intelligence with Canada about the gang&rsquo;s threats and cooperated in disrupting its financial networks.
While the designation equips Canadian law enforcement with new tools, some experts remain cautious about its effectiveness. 
&ldquo;The main issue is Canada&rsquo;s lack of capacity in gathering criminal intelligence,&rdquo; said Wesley Wark of the Centre for International Governance Innovation.
The development comes as Canada&ndash;India relations show signs of recovery, with both nations reinstating their high commissioners after the June G7 summit. 
Indian officials have yet to comment on Ottawa&rsquo;s decision, but the move is expected to bolster Canada&rsquo;s efforts in extradition cases against Bishnoi&rsquo;s associates, including Goldy Brar.

Police raid targeting Lawrence Bishnoi gang members

Lawrence Bishnoi gang listed as terrorist in Canada amid diaspora threats

Canada Declares Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Terrorist

Lawrence Bishnoi gang listed as terrorist in Canada amid diaspora threats

September 30, 2025 | 11:16 IST