Ottawa [Canada], September 29 (ANI): The Government of Canada has officially designated the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity under its Criminal Code, citing the group’s use of violence and intimidation to target specific communities.
Gary Anandasangaree, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, announced the decision, emphasizing that “acts of violence and terror have no place in Canada”. The designation follows an assessment that the Bishnoi Gang meets the criteria of a “terrorist group” under Canadian law.
According to the government’s press release, the listing grants Canadian law enforcement additional tools to prosecute terrorist offences, including freezing or seizing property, vehicles, and money owned by the group. It criminalises dealings with any property owned or controlled by the group, both within Canada and by Canadians abroad. It also makes it illegal to knowingly provide property or benefits to the group, and allows immigration and border officials to use the listing when assessing admissibility under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
The Bishnoi Gang is described as a transnational criminal organisation operating primarily out of India, with an established presence in Canada, particularly in areas with large diaspora communities. The group is known for engaging in murder, shootings, arson, and extortion and intimidation targeting community members, businesses, and cultural figures. The group’s actions are said to have created “a climate of insecurity” within affected communities.
Minister Anandasangaree stated, “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.”
The government noted that the listing of the Bishnoi Gang is part of its broader counter-terrorism strategy, which now includes 88 terrorist entities under Canada’s Criminal Code. This measure strengthens the ability of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other agencies to prevent and disrupt terrorist activity, both domestically and internationally.
This designation also carries significant legal consequences for any Canadian or person in Canada interacting with the group, including severe penalties for providing support, finances, or resources.
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