Toronto: The Canadian government on Monday designated the Bishnoi group as a terrorist organization, bringing its activities and criminal acts under strict legal scrutiny. The move comes after long-standing demands from the main opposition Conservative Party and the NDP.
Under the new designation, anyone providing financial support to the gang led by Lawrence Bishnoi—who allegedly issued criminal instructions over the phone from jail—will face legal action.
Last year, Canadian authorities alleged that the Bishnoi gang was involved in multiple killings and violent acts in Canada, reportedly at the behest of alleged Indian intelligence agencies, claims that the Indian government has denied.
The designation allows Canadian authorities to freeze bank accounts and assets of those associated with the group and to prosecute its members under stringent anti-terror laws.
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has been linked to murders, ransom demands, and other violent acts in Canada in the past. Alongside opposition parties, several Indian state chief ministers and city mayors have also called for stronger measures to curb crime.
