India-Canada tensions, Bishnoi gang: Tensions between India and Canada have escalated further, with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) alleging that the Indian government is employing organized crime groups, specifically the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, to target the South Asian community, including pro-Khalistani elements, in Canada.RCMP alleges Indian govt uses criminals for targeted operations RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme, along with his deputy Brigitte Gauvin, made the explosive claim that the Indian government uses criminals to carry out targeted operations in Canada. Gauvin stated, “They are specifically targeting pro-Khalistani elements in Canada. What we have observed is the use of organized crime groups.” She added that the Bishnoi gang, a notorious criminal organization, is believed to be connected to agents of the Indian government.When questioned if Indian government agents were involved in “homicide, extortion, intimidation, and coercion,” Duheme confirmed, “yes.”Gauvin and Duheme also accused certain Indian diplomatic staff of collaborating with organized crime groups to gather information on Canadian citizens through illegal means. This intelligence, they claimed, is then used by criminal groups to commit violent acts, including extortion and murder.Preposterous imputationsIndia swiftly rejected the RCMPs allegations, branding them as preposterous imputations. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that the Trudeau administration has yet to provide any evidence supporting these claims, despite multiple requests from New Delhi.The MEA also dismissed accusations that Sanjay Kumar Verma, Indias High Commissioner to Canada, and five of his staff were involved in such activities. Canada recently expelled these officials, citing non-cooperation from India in its ongoing investigation.Trudeau inflates charges against IndiaFollowing the RCMPs press conference, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated his allegations, accusing India of supporting criminal activities on Canadian soil. “It is obvious the Government of India made a fundamental error in thinking they could engage in supporting criminal activity against Canadians,” Trudeau said, calling such actions “absolutely unacceptable.”Trudeaus accusations come at a politically charged time, with his approval ratings plummeting ahead of the 2025 elections. Despite surviving two parliamentary confidence votes in recent weeks, the Prime Minister continues to face internal and external pressures.
