Bishnoi Gang Has Stoked Fear in Canada for Years, Says B.C. City Councillor

The Bishnoi gang, led by notorious Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, has been a source of fear for members of the South Asian diaspora in Canada for years, according to Richmond, B.C. city councillor Kash Heed. Heed, a former B.C. solicitor general and West Vancouver police chief, stated that the gang’s violent reputation was well-known in the community long before the RCMP recently accused the syndicate of orchestrating violent crimes on Canadian soil.

The RCMP has alleged that Indian diplomats in Canada shared information about Sikh separatists with the Indian government, which was then passed on to the Bishnoi gang, potentially linking the syndicate to violent acts. Heed noted that Bishnoi has a long history of violence in India and that his gang's activities have caused alarm in Canada’s Indian community for years.

On Monday, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats following accusations by the RCMP that agents of the Indian government may have been involved in crimes, including killings and extortion, in Canada. The Bishnoi gang is suspected of being connected to these incidents, according to RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin.

Although India denies any government involvement and has expelled six Canadian diplomats in retaliation, Heed explained that the gang’s violent extortion tactics have been well-documented by both Canadian and Indian authorities in recent years. Notably, the gang has been implicated in high-profile crimes, such as the 2022 murder of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala.

Indian journalist Ritesh Lakhi, who has covered the Bishnoi gang extensively, echoed Heed’s concerns. Lakhi noted that the gang has been involved in violent clashes and extortion schemes for years in India, and its influence has now gained global attention.

In 2023, police in Abbotsford, B.C., began investigating extortion cases tied to affluent members of the South Asian community, with suspects linked to the Bishnoi gang. Similar cases have surfaced in Ontario and Alberta, with some involving gunfire at businesses. One B.C. businessman reportedly lost $3 million due to threats from individuals claiming to be members of the Bishnoi gang.

The gang’s operations have been further complicated by Bishnoi’s imprisonment. Despite being behind bars since 2015, Bishnoi is believed to be orchestrating violent extortions via cell phone. Indian authorities have accused Bishnoi of continuing to build his criminal empire from jail, with the help of associates both in India and abroad, including Canada.

Lawrence Bishnoi’s notoriety has only grown in recent years, with threats against Indian celebrities, politicians, and business figures, as well as responsibility claimed for recent violent incidents in India.

Kash Heed noted that even Canadian gangsters with no direct link to Bishnoi have invoked the gang’s name, leveraging the fear it generates. He believes that the RCMP's recent actions have further elevated the Bishnoi gang's profile in Canada.