The Conservative Party have called on the federal government to designate Lawrence Bishnoi gang a terrorist entity in Canada, reported Global News.
The move comes amid an uptick in violent incidents reportedly committed by members. The gang is suspected for fueling a surge in extortion threats in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, which have left members of the South Asian community fearful.
"The Bishnoi Gang's activities lay the groundwork for listing it as a terrorist entity," MP and Public Safety Critic Frank Caputo wrote in a letter to Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. "As you know, they have taken credit for vast violence in Canada and abroad."
He pointed out that the gang’s activities include "political shootings, extortion of South Asian Canadians and extreme violence," noting that members "engage in these activities for political, religious and ideological reasons" and often "boast of such activities to intimidate other potential targets."
"I implore you to list the Bishnoi Gang as a terrorist entity to provide law enforcement and all levels of government with the tools necessary to address the Gang’s activities," Caputo continued. "The designation would permit the government to push back against the Gang with financial, criminal and property sanctions."
In July, the Premier of the Canadian province of Alberta had urged the federal government to designate the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi gang a terrorist organisation, joining a string of leaders to make such a request.
New Delhi has repeatedly called on Canada to take action against gangsters like Goldy Brar, who was believed to be a key figure in the Bishnoi network, before they reportedly parted ways last month. Brar is wanted in connection with the murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala in 2022.
Bishnoi, a gangster from Punjab, is currently in Ahmedabad's Sabarmati Central Jail. Notorious for his criminal gangs and for ordering the killings of his rivals from inside this high-profile jail, he has been linked to several crimes including the allegations from the Canadian government of fuelling gang-wars, extortions and other crimes in Canada.
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