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The diplomatic relations between India and Canada have reached a historic low, marked by the expulsion of six diplomats from each country in tit-for-tat moves. This escalation stems from Canada's unwavering accusations that the Indian government orchestrated the 2023 murder of a prominent Sikh separatist leader, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canadian officials have gone a step further, alleging a direct link between the Indian diplomatic mission and Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious crime syndicate boss in India, implicating him in the murder of Nijjar.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), investigating Nijjar's killing, has blamed the “Bishnoi group” for carrying out the assassination at the behest of India's external intelligence agency, RAW. This claim further adds fuel to the already tense diplomatic situation, with Canada accusing India of actively threatening and killing Canadian citizens on Canadian soil. The Indian government has vehemently denied these accusations, calling them “preposterous” and demanding evidence from Canada to substantiate the claims. This impasse has led to a significant strain in bilateral relations between the two countries, with India challenging Canada to provide proof for its allegations.
Lawrence Bishnoi, the central figure in this international controversy, is a notorious gangster currently imprisoned in India's Sabarmati Central Jail. He first gained national attention in 2022 for his alleged involvement in the murder of Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala, a member of India's opposition Congress party. Bishnoi's gang has also claimed responsibility for the killing of Baba Siddique, a Muslim politician in Mumbai, citing a long-standing feud with Bollywood actor Salman Khan. This feud stems from Khan's 1998 hunting trip in Rajasthan, during which he killed two antelopes, a species considered sacred by the Bishnoi religious sect. Bishnoi's rise to notoriety, marked by a series of high-profile crimes, has solidified his position as a powerful figure in the Indian underworld.
Bishnoi's alleged collusion with the Indian government, as claimed by Canadian officials, has fueled his notoriety and solidified his image as a powerful figure. Despite being imprisoned for over a decade, he has expanded his crime syndicate across India and established connections in Canada and the United States. The accusations against him have given him a sense of legitimacy within the criminal world, further enhancing his influence and attracting followers. This development raises serious concerns about the potential spillover effect on vulnerable youth who may idolize him.
The accusations leveled by Canada have sparked significant debate about the potential consequences for India's global reputation. The allegation of the Indian government colluding with criminal gangs to target Canadians has damaged India's image abroad. It has also led to a comparison between Canada and Pakistan, highlighting the persistent issues of extremism and Sikh separatism that have plagued India's relations with both countries. With the diplomatic situation rapidly deteriorating, India and Canada have reached a critical juncture, with the potential for further escalation and lasting damage to their bilateral ties.
The accusations against India and the role of Lawrence Bishnoi in the assassination of Sikh separatists have thrust the issue of Sikh separatism back into the spotlight. The Khalistan movement, aimed at creating an independent Sikh state, has been a source of tension between India and Canada for decades. While the movement has lost momentum in India, it has resurfaced among some members of the Sikh diaspora in Canada. The killing of Sukhdool Singh, a Sikh separatist, in Canada last year, claimed by Bishnoi's gang, further highlights the complexities and dangers surrounding the Khalistan movement. The current diplomatic crisis between India and Canada serves as a stark reminder of the enduring challenges posed by this issue and the need for a nuanced and constructive approach to address it.
Source: Who is Lawrence Bishnoi, the gangster at the centre of India-Canada spat?