Canada’s crackdown: Bishnoi terror tag in sync with India’s concerns

CANADA’s decision to list the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity for creating a “climate of fear and intimidation” vindicates India’s concerns about this transnational criminal syndicate. It’s also a welcome attempt to crack down on the gangster-terrorist nexus, which has kept law enforcement agencies on their toes in both countries. The gang is led by Lawrence Bishnoi, who has orchestrated serious crimes with impunity despite being behind bars for the past over a decade. His gang has been allegedly involved in some high-profile murders in recent years — Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi and former Maharashtra minister Baba Siddique. The syndicate has also been linked to shootings outside the houses of Bollywood star Salman Khan in Mumbai and Punjabi performers AP Dhillon and Gippy Grewal in Canada.

Delhi and Ottawa have stepped up collaboration as Bishnoi is accused of running an extortion racket with Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar, who has close ties with pro-Khalistan terror outfit Babbar Khalsa International. Infighting and betrayals have weakened the Bishnoi Gang, and therein lies an opportunity for both countries to tighten the noose around these hardcore criminals.

The terror tag empowers the federal government to freeze or seize property, vehicles and money, along with giving Canadian officials additional tools to prosecute offenders in terror cases, including those related to funding. Enhanced vigilance by the Canadian authorities can help Delhi get vital inputs about individuals and groups who are looking to foment trouble in India. The strong emphasis laid by Canada on public safety shows that it has recognised the grave threat posed by gangsters, terrorists and secessionists to its citizens. This zero-tolerance policy will give a fillip to India’s efforts to fortify its own internal security.