The Bishnoi Gang has been officially designated as a terrorist organization by the federal government, as announced by Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree on Monday. According to the minister, the Bishnoi Gang has been involved in targeting specific communities with acts of terror, violence, and intimidation. This classification equips authorities with enhanced tools to combat and halt the criminal activities of the group.
When a group is listed as a terrorist entity in Canada, it grants the government the authority to freeze or confiscate assets, vehicles, and funds, while also providing law enforcement agencies with additional resources to prosecute terrorist-related offenses.
Originating from the Punjab and Haryana regions in northern India, the Bishnoi Gang is among various criminal syndicates that have expanded their operations into North America in recent years. Despite the incarceration of its founder Lawrence Bishnoi in Indian prisons since 2014, the gang continues to engage in violent activities. Reports suggest that their actions are influenced by traditional codes of honor and revenge, alongside contemporary motives related to business and politics. Drug trafficking and extortion are highlighted as the primary revenue streams for the gang, both domestically and internationally.
