Canada-India tensions: Who is Lawrence Bishnoi, at centre of row?

India and Canada have each expelled six diplomats in retaliatory measures following Ottawa’s accusation that Indian government agents were linked to the 2023 murder of a Sikh separatist leader near Vancouver.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), which is leading the investigation, alleged that Indian agents had ties to the “Bishnoi group,” an organized crime network.

India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) describes the Bishnoi group as a criminal gang led by Lawrence Bishnoi. His lawyer, Rajani, who uses only one name, stated that Bishnoi is contesting more than 40 cases involving allegations of murder and extortion, with many trials yet to begin.

India has not officially responded to the accusations of links between government officials and the Bishnoi group. The foreign ministry did not answer a Reuters query on the matter, and it has previously dismissed Canada’s allegations as "preposterous."

WHO IS LAWRENCE BISHNOI?

Bishnoi, a 31-year-old law graduate, has been imprisoned since 2015. The NIA claims he operates a transnational crime syndicate from jails across India and through associates abroad, including in Canada. According to the NIA, some of his associates maintain contacts with "pro-Khalistani" elements in Nepal and other countries.

Despite these connections, Bishnoi has publicly stated that he opposes Khalistan—a movement seeking an independent Sikh state—and insists he is not "anti-national." He expressed these views in an interview with a private news channel last year, though the video has since been removed, and police are investigating how it was released.

WHERE IS BISHNOI NOW?

Bishnoi is currently held at Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Media reports indicate he has been transferred between different prisons due to concerns about his safety and his ability to violate prison rules.

CANADA'S ALLEGATIONS

While Canada did not specify individual charges, the RCMP said there was “specific targeting” of Khalistan supporters in the country. The police also claimed that the Bishnoi group had previously claimed responsibility for certain attacks and accused it of working with Indian agents.

OTHER CASES AGAINST BISHNOI

Bishnoi and his associates face multiple charges, including murder, extortion, and terrorism-related offenses. The NIA has accused the group of attempting to create fear by targeting prominent social, religious, and entertainment figures.

A notable case linked to Bishnoi’s associates is the 2022 murder of Sidhu Moose Wala, a popular Punjabi rapper. Police have named Bishnoi as a key suspect, with over 20 arrests made in connection with the case.

In 2018, Bishnoi reportedly threatened to kill Bollywood actor Salman Khan. This year, gunshots were fired near Khan’s residence, though Bishnoi has not commented on the incident. Police later arrested two gunmen, stating they acted on behalf of Bishnoi’s group.

In another incident, gunmen fatally shot Mumbai politician Baba Siddique before escaping. A Facebook post from someone claiming affiliation with Bishnoi’s group took responsibility for the attack. Police have since attributed the plot to Bishnoi, though no evidence has been disclosed.

BISHNOI'S DEFENSE

Bishnoi’s lawyer, Rajani, said he is contesting approximately 40 criminal cases filed against him since 2012. Many of these cases, she noted, are still awaiting trial.