What is Driving Lawrence Bishnoi Gang’s Growing Violence In Canada? | India News
In a brazen show of defiance, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has stepped up its violent operations in Canada, just days after India and Canada vowed to strengthen cooperation against transnational crime. Despite being officially declared a terrorist organization by Ottawa, the gang’s network continues to grow and spread fear across Canadian cities.
The gang claimed responsibility for two shootings in a week; one of them killed Indian-origin businessman Darshan Singh Sahsi outside his home in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Another attack targeted the home of Punjabi singer Chani Nattan in Surrey, while the attackers posted the video of the attack on the internet.
A man who identified himself as Goldy Dhillon, an associate of the Bishnoi gang, later claimed on social media that Sahsi was involved in drug trafficking and was killed for refusing to pay extortion money.
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The gang’s mastermind, Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently detained in Ahmedabad’s Sabarmati Jail, continues to run his sprawling criminal network from behind bars. Its influence now extends far beyond India, reaching into Canada’s Punjabi diaspora and criminal underworld.
Violence Increases in the Environment of Diplomatic Cooperation
Earlier this month, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal announced that both countries had agreed to increase intelligence sharing and take joint measures to combat organized crime. The memorandum came after the meeting held in New Delhi between India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and his Canadian counterpart Nathalie Drouin.
“Both sides had fruitful discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation, especially in the areas of counter-terrorism, transnational organized crime and intelligence exchange,” Jaiswal said, adding that engagement mechanisms would be strengthened.
But the sudden increase in violence after the Bishnoi gang was listed as a terrorist organization suggests an attempt to establish dominance, maintain control over its members and send a message to rivals and critics within the diaspora.
The gang’s growing boldness was evident in a series of targeted attacks in British Columbia and Ontario.
Kapil Sharma’s Cage Under Fire
Comedian Kapil Sharma’s Kap’s Café in Surrey, British Columbia, has been attacked three times since its opening in July. In the last attack on October 16, the cafe’s facade was riddled with bullets. Luckily no injuries were reported. The first two attacks took place on July 10 and August 7, prompting Indian authorities to review Sharma’s security arrangements in Mumbai and elsewhere.
Gunfire at Brampton Restaurant
On the same day as the café shooting, gunmen opened fire at the Zamindar Bar & Grill in Brampton, Ontario. CCTV footage shows two attackers dressed in black shooting multiple times before escaping. Shortly afterwards, gang member Goldy Dhillon claimed responsibility and warned the restaurant owner to “show respect” or face further consequences.
Multiple Attacks in Surrey and Maple Ridge
In early October the gang targeted several properties owned by a restaurateur in Surrey, with Dhillon again claiming responsibility. He accused the businessman of exploiting employees and threatened others with similar attacks. Days ago, the gang had also attacked the homes and workplaces of their rival Navi Tesi and accused him of blackmailing on behalf of Bishnoi.
All of these events occurred after Canada’s decision to designate the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization; this reveals the gang’s defiance and growing influence.
A Cross-Border Struggle
The latest wave of violence shows how the Bishnoi gang has transformed from a domestic criminal organization into an international threat. Those who once operated on the streets of Punjab and Haryana now operate through networks that span continents.
Despite recent commitments from both New Delhi and Ottawa to curb organized crime, the gang’s continued aggression signals expansion, not retreat. His message is clear: the Bishnoi empire aims to maintain control regardless of borders or official prohibitions.
