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Key Points

Canada has officially designated the Lawrence Bishnoi gang as a terrorist entity, enabling law enforcement to take stronger legal actions. The government's decision comes after recognizing the gang's extensive criminal activities targeting diaspora communities. Minister Gary Anandasangaree emphasized that the listing provides powerful tools to combat terrorism and protect vulnerable populations. This move signifies a significant step in addressing transnational criminal organizations operating across international borders.

Key Points: Canada Declares Lawrence Bishnoi Gang as Terrorist Group

  • Canada freezes Bishnoi gang's assets under Criminal Code
  • Terrorist listing enables broader prosecution of criminal activities
  • Gang targets diaspora communities with violence and extortion
  • Minister emphasizes protection of community safety and security
2 min read

Canada declares Lawrence Bishnoi gang as terrorist entity

Canadian government officially lists Bishnoi gang as terrorist entity, enabling legal actions to combat transnational criminal activities

"Acts of violence and terror have no place in Canada - Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety"

Ottawa, Sep 29

The Canadian government on Monday officially designated the Bishnoi gang led by dreaded gangster Lawrence Bishnoi as a terrorist organisation while citing its involvement in murder, shootings, arson, and spreading terror through extortion and intimidation.

"Acts of violence and terror have no place in Canada, especially those that target specific communities to create a climate of fear and intimidation. That is why 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," read a statement issued by the Canadian Ministry of Public Safety.

According to the statement, 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. 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.

The Public Safety Ministry said 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, it said, can also be used by immigration and border officials to inform decisions on admissibility to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

"The Bishnoi Gang is a transnational criminal organisation operating primarily out of India. They have a presence in Canada and are active in areas with significant diaspora communities. The Bishnoi Gang engages in murder, shootings and arson, and generates terror through extortion and intimidation. They create a climate of insecurity in these communities by targeting them, their prominent community members, businesses, and cultural figures," the statement added.

The Ministry further stressed that listing the Bishnoi Gang will help Canadian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies in combating their crimes and making communities safe.

"Every person in Canada has the right to feel safe in their home and community and as a government it is our fundamental responsibility to protect them. Specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence and intimidation by the Bishnoi Gang. Listing this group of criminal terrorists gives us more powerful and effective tools to confront and put a stop to their crimes," said Gary Anandasangaree, Canadian Minister of Public Safety.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
About time! These gangs operating from India but causing trouble abroad give our country a bad name. Hope Indian authorities take similar strong action against them.
M
Michael C
As someone living in Toronto, I've seen how these gangs target our community businesses. This designation will help law enforcement protect innocent people. 🙏
A
Ananya R
While I support this move, I hope the Canadian government ensures this doesn't lead to profiling of innocent Indian-Canadians. We need protection, not suspicion.
S
Sarah B
This is a positive step for community safety. The extortion and intimidation tactics used by these gangs have created fear among many families. Hope this brings some peace.
V
Vikram M
Good decision! These criminal elements spoil the reputation of hardworking Indians abroad. Now let's see if they actually implement these powers effectively.

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