Hit by hit men

In a country like India, where political killings are often linked to influential leaders, it is unsurprising that rivals are frequently silenced when power becomes the ultimate pursuit. Such actions are commonly carried out by hired criminals or proxies, with operations often directed from a distance. There have been numerous killings of writers, academicians and activists who have been critical of the communally divisive political ideology. This façade was blown over when on October 14, 2024, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) alleged that criminal groups, including the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, were being employed by “agents of the Government of India” to target individuals associated with pro-Khalistani elements in Canada. These accusations echoed earlier concerns voiced by Canadian authorities about the involvement of organized crime groups like the Bishnoi gang in targeting pro-Khalistan leaders, who advocate for a separate Sikh homeland. The charge and counter charge led to strained relations between Canada and India which was compounded by a longstanding history of tension over pro-Khalistan activities in Canada. Indian authorities on the other hand, often criticized the Canadian government for its leniency toward Sikh separatists, citing, among other issues, the unresolved case of the 1985 Air India Flight 182 Kanishka bombing. This tragic incident, orchestrated by Canadian-based Khalistani terrorists, resulted in the deaths of 329 passengers, most of whom were Canadian citizens. Despite intelligence warnings, Canadian authorities failed to prevent the bombing, leading to one of the deadliest acts of aviation terrorism in history. The Royal Mounted Canadian Police(RMCP) which willfully neglected to act on credible information on help facilitate the smuggling of explosive on board Kanishka. This was a clear neglect on the part of the RMCP and only went to show Canada’s perceived inaction against Khalistani extremists which continues to be a sore point for India. The liberal stand taken has practically legitimized Khalistani anti-India activities in Canada. The celebration of the assassination of Indira Gandhi in June this year at a celebratory parade in Brampton, Ontario, in June 2024 further heightened tensions between the two countries. For India, the Canadian government’s reluctance to address pro-Khalistani sentiments, combined with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s political reliance on such groups for domestic support, has soured bilateral relations significantly. The ultimate consequence of the frostiness culminated in October 13 when India and Canada reached a diplomatic breaking point by expelling six diplomats each. This followed Ottawa’s claims that Indian government agents were linked to the 2023 murder of a Sikh separatist leader near Vancouver. The RCMP, which is investigating this case, has repeatedly named the Bishnoi gang as a key player in organized crime activities, alleging that the group has ties to Indian government agents. Lawrence Bishnoi, a notorious figure, has been imprisoned in the Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad since 2015. Despite his incarceration, Bishnoi has been accused of operating a transnational crime syndicate from within prison walls, allegedly maintaining contact with pro-Khalistani elements abroad. What the Canadian RCMP charges against India suggest is a preposterous allegation that Bishnoi is a ‘hit man’ working at the behest of Delhi. His gang has been implicated in multiple high-profile murders, including the recent killing of Mumbai politician Baba Siddique. Moreover, his threats against Bollywood actor Salman Khan in 2018 brought him further into the media spotlight. These issues suggest that the political landscape between India and Canada will remain fraught with challenges as long as such tensions persist.