In a startling briefing held in Ottawa on Monday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) leveled serious allegations against India, asserting that the Indian government is “targeting South Asian community members” in Canada, with a specific focus on pro-Khalistani elements.
Brigitte Gauvin, Assistant Commissioner of Federal Policing and National Security at the RCMP, stated, “They use organized crime elements. It has been publicly attributed and claimed by one organized crime group in particular – the Bishnoi Group. We believe that the group is connected to agents of the Government of India.”
The statement underscores the gravity of the situation, as Gauvin pointed out that law enforcement agencies in Canada have successfully investigated and charged a substantial number of individuals involved in various violent criminal activities, including homicides and extortions, over the past few years.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme elaborated on the concerning developments, noting, “In addition, there have been well over a dozen credible imminent threats to life which have led to the conduct of duty to warn, by law enforcement with members of the South Asian community, specifically, members of the pro-Khalistan movement.”
In an effort to tackle these alarming threats, the RCMP established a multi-disciplinary team in February 2024. This team is tasked with investigating and coordinating responses to the ongoing danger posed by organized crime and its alleged connections to foreign agents. “The team has learned a significant amount of information on the breadth and depth of criminal activity orchestrated by agents of the Government of India, resulting in consequential threats to the safety and security of Canadians and individuals living in Canada,” Gauvin added.
Despite the proactive measures taken by law enforcement, Commissioner Duheme expressed concern that “the harm has continued, posing a serious threat to our public safety.” He emphasized the need to confront the Government of India directly, stating, “We reached a point where we felt that it was imperative to inform the public about some very serious findings that have been uncovered through our investigations.”
As these revelations unfold, the implications for Canada-India relations remain uncertain, with both nations grappling with the complexities of international law enforcement, organized crime, and community safety.
