New Delhi: The Lawrence Bishnoi gang has been listed as a terrorist entity by the Canadian government. This came after pressure from calls from Conservative and NDP politicians, reports said. Pro-Khalistan outfits that openly issue threats against India, remain safe in that country though.
“That is why the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, announced today that the Government of Canada has listed the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code,” a press release by the Government of Canada stated.
“As an entity, the Bishnoi Gang has met the definition of a ‘terrorist group’ under Canada’s Criminal Code. A terrorist listing means anything owned by that group in Canada, property, vehicles, money can be frozen or seized and gives Canadian law enforcement more tools to prosecute terrorist offences, including those related to financing, travel and recruitment,” the release added.
“For example, it is a criminal offence for anyone in Canada and Canadians abroad to knowingly deal with property owned or controlled by a terrorist group. It is also an offence to directly or indirectly provide property knowing that it will be used by or benefit a terrorist group. The Criminal Code listing can also be used by immigration and border officials to inform decisions on admissibility to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act,” it further stated.
While Lawrence Bishnoi has been in jail in Gujarat since 2015, his gang operates across the country and abroad. He is known to have links with other criminal gangs in the US and Canada.
The release said that the move will help Canadian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies in combatting crimes committed by the gang and making communities safer.
The listing bars Canadians from funding or aiding the gang. Earlier last year, the Canadian police accused India of using the Bishnoi gang to carry out murders and acts of extortion targeting Canadian citizens, particularly Khalistan supporters.
