India Presses Canada on Extradition of Lawrence Bishnoi Gang Members

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has expressed frustration over Canada’s lack of response to multiple extradition requests for members of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, in a press briefing, revealed that India has been seeking the extradition of several syndicate members, including Gurjit Singh, Gurjinder Singh, Arshdeep Singh Gill, Lakhbir Singh Landa, and Gurpreet Singh, for years without receiving any cooperation from Canada.

Jaiswal stated, “We informed Canada about the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and requested their provisional arrest and extradition some years back and again recently. However, there has been no response from the Canadian authorities.”

The MEA also criticized Canada for consistently citing “freedom of speech” as a defense when asked to act against anti-India and separatist elements operating within its borders.

The diplomatic tensions escalated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently accused India of gathering intelligence through the Bishnoi gang—allegations India has firmly denied. Trudeau testified that Canada provided India with intelligence, not concrete proof, over the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023.

India has rejected these allegations and reiterated that Canada has yet to share any evidence regarding Nijjar’s killing. Diplomatic ties between the two nations further deteriorated as both countries expelled senior diplomats in a tit-for-tat move this week.

The MEA emphasized that India remains committed to fighting organized crime and awaits cooperation from Canada on the extradition requests.