NEW DELHI: In response to Ottawa’s classification of it as a terrorist organization, the Lawrence Bishnoi gang has taken responsibility for the murder of 68-year-old Darshan Singh Sahsi, a millionaire businessman of Indian descent in Canada. According to reports by Rajshekhar Jha, the gang stated that the victim had declined to pay “protection money.” Additionally, the group has asserted its involvement in a shooting incident at the residence of Punjabi singer Channi Nattan in Canada, while issuing a warning to the music industry regarding collaboration with singer Saradar Khera. They have released footage of both violent events. Following the Canadian government’s designation of the gang as a terrorist entity, these two incidents highlight the gang’s audacity and demonstrate its ability to execute attacks at will within the country. A brief lockdown was implemented in the Canadian area after the murder of Sahsi, who was shot in his vehicle outside his residence in Abbotsford, British Columbia, on Monday morning. Originally from Ludhiana, he served as the president of Canam International, a prominent clothing recycling company. Goldy Dhillon, a member of the Bishnoi gang, claimed responsibility for the assassination via a social media post, alleging that Sahsi was engaged in drug trafficking and had been requested for payment by the gang, which he refused and subsequently blocked their contact number.
The shocking murder led to temporary lockdowns of schools in the vicinity as Abbotsford police officers responded to the shooting incident. In the subsequent event, the Bishnoi group claimed that the assault was executed due to Channi Nattan allegedly “forming close associations” with fellow artist Saradar Khera. In support of this assertion, Goldy Dhillon also shared a video of the shooting. “Sat Sri Akal! I am Goldy Dhillon (Lawrence Bishnoi Gang). The reason for the shooting at singer Channi Nattan’s residence yesterday is Saradar Khera.” The gang issued a caution to the music industry: “Any artist who collaborates with or maintains a connection with Saradar Khera will bear full responsibility for their own losses. This is because we will persist in causing substantial harm to Khera.” Canada’s classification of the group as a ‘terrorist entity’ was largely perceived as a setback for the Bishnoi gang. This action, believed to have been influenced by pressure from pro-Khalistani factions who have accused Bishnoi of the murder of Hardip Singh Nijjar, a terrorist sought by India, was intended to empower law enforcement agencies with significant investigative capabilities and access to resources necessary to disrupt the gang’s operations. The terrorist designation also grants essential powers, enabling Canadian police to prosecute crimes related to financing, travel, and recruitment. A terrorist listing implies that any assets owned by that group in Canada – including property, vehicles, or funds – may be frozen or confiscated.
