RCMP Says Bishnoi Gang Operated on Behalf of Indian Government

A classified report by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) alleges that the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, an Indian criminal organization linked to extortion and contract killings in Canada, has been “acting on behalf of the Indian government.” The internal document, obtained by Global News through an access-to-information request, makes repeated references to alleged coordination between the gang and Indian state actors.

The assessment, prepared bazy the RCMP’s national security division, describes the Bishnoi gang as a violent and expanding transnational criminal organization operating in Canada and several other countries. While the group is driven primarily by profit rather than ideology, the report states it uses intimidation, drug trafficking, money laundering and murder-for-hire to advance its activities.

According to the RCMP briefing, the Bishnoi gang has allegedly been used to target individuals in Canada, particularly members of the Sikh community. The report notes that organized crime groups like Bishnoi have been linked to acts of transnational repression, including violent attacks against pro-Khalistan activists.

The document was circulated internally last year and references a June 2025 call by B.C. Premier David Eby to designate the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization. It was released publicly as Eby began a trade mission to India and amid reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney plans to visit India later this year as part of Canada’s trade diversification strategy.

Sikh advocacy groups have criticized Ottawa for pursuing closer economic ties with India while allegedly downplaying national security concerns. Balpreet Singh of the World Sikh Organization of Canada said the RCMP findings show authorities are aware of coordination between the Bishnoi gang and Indian officials but have failed to act decisively.

The Indian High Commission in Ottawa did not respond to requests for comment. Carney’s office also declined to comment, previously stating that incidents of violence are being addressed through the justice system. The B.C. government said criminal investigations are ongoing and that engagement with India continues on matters of shared concern.

Concerns about India’s alleged involvement in violence on Canadian soil intensified following the 2023 killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey, B.C. Canadian authorities later said they were investigating possible links to Indian government agents, a claim New Delhi has denied.

The RCMP report also references the killing of another pro-Khalistan activist, Sukhdool Singh, in Winnipeg in 2023, noting that the Bishnoi gang claimed responsibility. Investigators allege the group has been used as a proxy to target individuals labeled as terrorists by India.

Despite the allegations, Canada listed the Bishnoi gang as a terrorist organization last September without referencing any state involvement. Critics argue that failure to publicly acknowledge alleged foreign coordination puts Canadians at continued risk.