Explained: How is Lawrence Bishnoi Linked to the India-Canada Diplomatic Row?

New Delhi: In the wake of the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, both countries expelled six diplomats from each side in a tit-for-tat move. The actions followed accusations from Canada, which claimed that Indian government agents were involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June last year near Vancouver.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which is leading the investigation, alleged that Indian government agents had ties to a group called the "Bishnoi group," which it describes as an organised crime syndicate.The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on Monday said it has evidence that six Indian diplomats were involved in the alleged plot to murder Nijjar in June 2023.

On this, India strongly rejected attempts by Canadian authorities to link Indian agents with criminal gangs in Canada with official sources in New Delhi even saying that Ottawa's assertion that it shared evidence with New Delhi in the Nijjar case was simply not true.

Meanwhile, India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) had already identified the “Bishnoi group” as a criminal gang led by Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently facing multiple legal charges.

Who is Lawrence Bishnoi?

Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, a product of a gangster-terror network nexus, has been named by the NIA in several high-profile cases, including his links with banned terror group Babbar Khalsa International, and smuggling of arms and ammunition from Pakistan . Lawrence Bishnoi, a 31-year-old law graduate, has been in jail since 2015. The NIA accuses him of running a transnational crime syndicate, coordinating operations from jails across India and even from abroad, including Canada. The agency claims his associates have ties with pro-Khalistani elements in countries like Nepal.

However, in an interview last year, Bishnoi denied being "anti-national" and stated he opposes the Khalistan movement, which seeks an independent Sikh state. The video of this interview was later taken down, and police are investigating its origins.

In a bid to dismantle the gangster-terror network associated with the Babbar Khalsa International, the NIA named Bishnoi last year in a chargesheet in a terror case, detailing his criminal activities, and smuggling of weapons, explosives and drugs from Pakistan .

The anti-terror agency had claimed that Bishnoi was instrumental in coordinating communication channels, enabling seamless interactions among gang members, even those incarcerated in jails.

Where is Lawrence Bishnoi?

Bishnoi is currently imprisoned in Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad, Gujarat . Authorities have moved him to different prisons over concerns for his safety and his ability to circumvent jail rules.

What is Canada Accusing Him Of?

Canada has not listed specific charges against Bishnoi. However, the RCMP stated that there was "specific targeting" of individuals supporting Khalistan in Canada, and linked these actions to the Bishnoi group, which it claims has connections to Indian agents.

Cases Against Bishnoi

Bishnoi and his associates face several charges, including murder, extortion, and terror-related offenses. Notable among these is the 2022 killing of popular Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala, which the NIA has attributed to Bishnoi's group.

The latest case in which the 31-year-old incarcerated gangster is a key accused is the last week's sensational murder of 66-year-old Baba Siddique, a former Maharashtra minister and NCP leader who was gunned down in Mumbai.

Bishnoi also made headlines in 2018 when he threatened to kill Bollywood actor Salman Khan. Earlier this year, shots were fired near Khan’s residence, and police linked the attack to Bishnoi’s group. However, Bishnoi has not commented on the incident.

Lawyer's Response

Bishnoi's lawyer, Rajani, stated that he is contesting about 40 criminal cases, including charges of murder, extortion, and terrorism, with many trials yet to begin.