Canada declares Lawrence Bishnoi gang a terrorist organisation
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Ottawa: The Canadian government on Monday officially designated the Bishnoi gang, led by notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, as a terrorist organisation, citing its involvement in murder, shootings, arson, extortion, and intimidation.
“Acts of violence and terror have no place in Canada, especially those targeting specific communities to create fear and intimidation. That is why Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree announced that the Bishnoi Gang has been listed as a terrorist entity under the Criminal Code,” the Canadian Ministry of Public Safety said in a statement.
According to the statement, the terrorist listing allows Canadian authorities to freeze or seize any property, vehicles, or money owned by the group. It also gives law enforcement additional tools to prosecute terrorist offences, including those related to financing, travel, and recruitment. It is a criminal offence in Canada, as well as for Canadians abroad, to knowingly deal with property controlled by a terrorist organisation.
The Public Safety Ministry further stated that providing property directly or indirectly to benefit a terrorist group is also an offence. The listing can also guide immigration and border authorities in making decisions on admissibility 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 gang engages in murder, shootings, and arson, generating terror through extortion and intimidation. They create insecurity by targeting communities, prominent community members, businesses, and cultural figures,” the statement added.
The Ministry emphasised that the designation will enhance the ability of Canadian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies to combat the gang’s crimes and protect communities.
“Every person in Canada has the right to feel safe in their home and community. Specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence, and intimidation by the Bishnoi Gang. Listing this criminal group as a terrorist organisation provides us with powerful and effective tools to confront and stop their crimes,” said Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree.
With IANS inputs
