The Bishnoi group has targeted particular communities with violence and intimidation, Ottawa's public safety department has said

The Bishnoi gang run by notorious Indian gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has been designated a "terrorist entity" under Canada's Criminal Code, Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree said on Monday.

When a group is listed as a terrorist entity, anything it owns in Canada, including property, vehicles, and money can be frozen or seized. Such a listing also gives Canadian law enforcement more tools to prosecute listed entities for terrorism-related offences, including those related to financing, travel and recruitment.

"Acts of violence and terror have no place in Canada, especially those that target specific communities to create a climate of fear and intimidation," Anandasangaree said in a statement.

"Specific communities have been targeted for terror, violence and intimidation by the Bishnoi Gang. Listing this group of criminal terrorists gives us more powerful and effective tools to confront and put a stop to their crimes," he added.

The Bishnoi Gang is a criminal group mainly based in India but has a presence in Canada, particularly in areas with large Indian communities. Members of the gang are suspected of violent crimes such as murder, shootings, and arson, and are believed to use extortion and intimidation to spread fear. 

The terror listing can also be used by immigration and border officials to help decide if someone can enter Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Bishnoi, who has been imprisoned in India since 2015, is accused of running a network of hundreds of members engaged in drug trafficking, arms smuggling, extortion, and targeted killings.

Canadian police have accused Indian intelligence agencies of using Bishnoi gang members to carry out killings and violent intimidation of supporters of the Khalistan Movement, which seeks to carve out an independent state for Sikhs in India's Punjab.

New Delhi has denied these charges and has accused Ottawa of ignoring extradition requests for Bishnoi gang members.

In June, India and Canada agreed to reset ties after years of tensions, which culminated in the mutual expulsions of top diplomats in 2024.

Ties between Canada and India soured in October 2024 when Canada accused Indian diplomats of targeting Sikh activists, leading to a diplomatic spat and mutual expulsions.