Canada has made new accusations against India, claiming that the Indian government is involved in “serious criminal activities” on Canadian soil. However, Canada has not yet provided any proof to support these claims.
According to Canadian authorities, Indian agents working in Canada are said to be partnering with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. Together, they are allegedly targeting individuals who support the Khalistan movement, which seeks to create a separate Sikh state.
Interestingly, these allegations have surfaced at a time when Lawrence Bishnoi is also in the spotlight in India. He is being linked to the murder of NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) leader Baba Siddique in Mumbai. This has drawn attention to Bishnoi’s criminal activities in both countries, further complicating the situation between Canada and India.
Canada Accuses India of Criminal Involvement
Shortly after India withdrew its diplomats from Canada, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) accused the Indian government of being directly involved in “serious criminal activity” within Canada. However, Ottawa once again did not provide any evidence to back its claims.
It alleged that Indian government agents in Canada were collaborating with Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang to target pro-Khalistani individuals.
These accusations came at a time when the Lawrence Bishnoi gang is under scrutiny in India for its suspected involvement in the murder of former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Baba Siddique.
During a late-night press conference, the RCMP claimed that their investigation into the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan figure shot dead in Canada last year, revealed possible connections between the Indian government and violent acts committed in Canada.
The press conference followed Canada’s accusation that Indian High Commissioner Sanjay Verma and other diplomats were “persons of interest” in the ongoing Nijjar murder investigation.
In retaliation, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, linking them to the investigation into Nijjar’s killing. India responded by recalling its top diplomat from Ottawa and expelling six Canadian diplomats in a similar move.
The RCMP further stated that evidence shows Indian agents used various individuals and businesses in Canada and abroad to gather information. Some of these people were reportedly coerced or threatened into working for the Indian government, and the information collected was allegedly used to target members of the South Asian community.
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Canada Accuses Bishnoi Gang Over Past Allegations
When questioned about whether the Indian government was specifically targeting members of the Sikh community, especially pro-Khalistani groups, RCMP Assistant Commissioner Brigitte Gauvin clarified that Indian agents are targeting the South Asian community. However, pro-Khalistani elements in Canada seem to be a “specific target.”
Gauvin stated, “From the RCMP’s viewpoint, these groups use organized crime elements. One such group, the Bishnoi Gang, has publicly claimed involvement. We believe this group is connected to Indian government agents.”
Last year, Canada accused India of having credible ties to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, an allegation India strongly rejected as “absurd and baseless.”
Trudeau Repeats Accusations Against India
Following an RCMP press conference, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that agents of the Indian government are involved in threatening public safety within Canada. He also criticized India for not cooperating in the investigation into the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, despite Canada’s repeated requests. India, however, has dismissed these accusations as “baseless” and without evidence.
The diplomatic tension between New Delhi and Ottawa escalated when Canada leveled serious charges against the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats.
In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned Canada’s actions, stating that no evidence linking India to Nijjar’s assassination had been provided, and accused Trudeau of engaging in vote-bank politics while ignoring separatist activities on Canadian soil.
Canada’s Lack of Evidence Criticized
Canada has faced criticism for failing to provide concrete evidence to support its claims of Indian involvement in Nijjar’s assassination. After accusing senior Indian diplomats of being connected to the case, the Trudeau government has yet to offer proof.
Canada-based journalist Daniel Bordman commented on X (formerly Twitter), “Trudeau again fails to provide compelling evidence after escalating tensions with India. This could cost Canada billions in trade, all to appease Khalistani ministers.”
Justin Trudeau again fails to provide compelling evidence to the public after escalating the tensions with India. Diplomats have been expelled and we are still in the “trust me bro” phase.
This could end up costing Canada billions in trade. All to appease Jagmeet and the gang of…
— Daniel Bordman (@DanielBordmanOG) October 14, 2024Michael Kugelman, Director of the South Asia Institute at Wilson Center, called Canada’s public disclosure of these allegations against India “extraordinary.” He noted that the absence of evidence in the public domain is a key reason why India has consistently rejected Canada’s claims.
In retaliation, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, including Acting High Commissioner Stewart Ross Wheeler and other senior officials, who have been given until October 19 to leave the country.
Also Read: Maharashtra Ex-Minister Baba Siddique Killed Near Son’s Office in Mumbai
FAQs
Q.1. What are Canada’s recent accusations against India?
Ans. Canada claims that Indian agents are involved in “serious criminal activities” on its soil, allegedly partnering with the Bishnoi Gang to target pro-Khalistani supporters.
Q.2. Who is Lawrence Bishnoi, and why is he significant in this case?
Ans. Lawrence Bishnoi is a notorious gang leader accused of collaborating with Indian agents to target pro-Khalistani figures in Canada. He is also linked to criminal cases in India.
Q.3. Has Canada provided evidence of India’s involvement in Nijjar’s murder?
Ans. No, despite repeated allegations, Canada has not provided any concrete evidence linking India to the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Q.4. How has India responded to Canada’s allegations?
Ans. India has rejected the accusations as “baseless” and retaliated by expelling six Canadian diplomats, mirroring Canada’s similar action.
Q.5. What impact could this diplomatic row have on Canada-India relations?
Ans. The escalating tensions could severely affect trade and diplomatic relations between the two nations, as both sides accuse each other without clear evidence.
