KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
23-Jun-2026
According to Canadian court sentencing records, three Indian nationals convicted for their roles in a February attack on a residence in South Surrey, British Columbia, were allegedly paid USD 1,000 each by a subcontractor linked to the Bishnoi gang. One of the accused reportedly told police that he and his associates had been hired by a man identified as Goldy Dhillon to throw Molotov cocktails and fire shots at the house. Dhillon has also been named in connection with other extortion investigations reported in Canada. Among the convicted individuals, Taranveer Singh was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to firing four shots at the residence during the night. His accomplices, Harjot Singh and Dayajeet Singh Billing, were each sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for throwing an explosive substance at the property. The case comes amid broader concerns among Canadian law enforcement agencies regarding alleged extortion and intimidation activities linked to the Bishnoi gang.
23-Jun-2026
On June 23, Canada’s intelligence agency, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), explicitly attributed the 1985 bombing of Air India Flight 182 ‘Kanishka’ to Canada-based Khalistani extremists (CBKEs) in a statement marking the 41st anniversary of the country’s deadliest terrorist attack. The agency stated, “On June 23, 1985, a bomb planted by Canada-based Khalistani extremists destroyed the aircraft, killing everyone on board—most of them Canadians.” CSIS described the bombing as the deadliest terrorist attack in Canada’s history and a defining moment for the country’s national security community. The statement noted that CSIS was less than a year old at the time of the attack and that the Kanishka tragedy significantly shaped its evolution. While previous CSIS reports had identified CBKEs as a security concern, the agency had not, in recent years, publicly attributed the bombing to them in such explicit terms. Reaffirming its mandate, CSIS stated that it has remained committed over the past four decades to protecting Canadians from politically, religiously, and ideologically motivated violence.
17-Jun-2026
On June 17, Canada enacted Bill C-9 after it received Royal Assent from the Governor General. The legislation amends the Criminal Code to strengthen measures against hate propaganda, hate crimes, and intimidation that obstructs access to religious and cultural institutions. The law creates new offences for intentionally provoking fear to impede a person's access to places of worship or facilities used by identifiable groups, as well as for obstructing or interfering with lawful access to such locations. The amendments have been welcomed by some community groups, who argue that they could help address incidents involving protests and intimidation outside religious sites. The legislation comes amid concerns over demonstrations by pro-Khalistan groups outside Hindu temples in Canada, including a recent protest at the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia.
11-Jun-2026
On June 11, gunshots were reportedly fired at a sweet shop in Brampton, Canada, with a purported video of the incident widely circulating on social media. The video allegedly shows an individual loading a firearm inside a vehicle before firing six to seven shots at the shop. Following the incident, a social media post from an account operating under the name Aarzoo Bishnoi claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging that it was carried out by Aarzoo Bishnoi, his younger brother Tyson Bishnoi, and Shubham Lokar. The post claimed that the shop owner had ignored their calls for several days and that the firing was intended to “teach him a lesson.” It also rejected rumours of a rift between the Bishnoi brothers, asserting that they remained united. Authorities had not independently verified the claim at the time of reporting.
09-Jun-2026
Three Punjabi youths, identified as Taranveer Singh, Harjot Singh, and Dayajeet Singh Billing, were sentenced by Surrey Provincial Court, on June 9 for their involvement in a February 1 extortion-linked shooting at a residence in Surrey, in British Columbia, Canada. Taranveer Singh received a five-year prison term for reckless discharge of a firearm, while Billing and Harjot Singh were each sentenced to just over two years for throwing an explosive substance. The attack, which involved gunfire and a small fire outside the residence, was linked by police to ongoing extortion-related threats in the area. The three will serve their sentences in Canada, after which deportation proceedings may be initiated.
09-Jun-2026
Canada’s CBC's premier investigative documentary series, The Fifth Estate, reported that a man shot dead in a targeted daylight attack at an office building in Surrey, British Columbia on May 4 was allegedly a key handler of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang and had purported links to cricket-fixing activities. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Integrated Homicide Investigation Team confirmed that the victim was killed inside an office in a commercial complex in Surrey but did not disclose his identity or a motive for the shooting. According to The Fifth Estate, the victim was Gurvikramjeet Singh Warring alias Satveer Singh Warring alias Sam Canada alias Sam. Sources cited by the programme alleged that gunmen entered the building, shot Warring, and left without attempting to conceal their actions. The identities of the sources were withheld due to concerns over possible retaliation.
07-Jun-2026
A float depicting the assassination of former Indian Prime Minister (PM) Indira Gandhi was featured during the annual Sikh religious procession, “Nagar Kirtan”, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, on June 7, sparking renewed controversy over the recurrence of such displays year after year.
04-Jun-2026
On June 4, the home of Arvinder Khosa in the South Newton neighbourhood of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, was targeted in a shooting. The residence was occupied at the time, but no one was injured. Investigators believe the incident may be linked to an extortion attempt, citing previous threats against Khosa and an earlier shots-fired incident outside the residence on May 20.
02-Jun-2026
The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) on June 2 announced the arrest of Brian Kiraly-Miller, in connection with the January 13 murder of Indo-Canadian businessman Baljinder Singh in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. While investigators have not disclosed a motive for the killing, IHIT stated that the incident was a targeted shooting. Authorities added that further details regarding the motive and circumstances of the homicide could not be released due to ongoing court proceedings.
28-May-2026
According to reports, a Canadian police officer on May 28 revealed that the India-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang, allegedly linked to Canada’s growing extortion crisis, had sent a letter to a police station in Abbotsford, British Columbia, in August 2025 claiming it had 1,000 foot soldiers willing to carry out shootings. Testifying at a deportation hearing, Constable Kevin St. Louis told the Immigration and Refugee Board that the letter outlined the gang’s criminal network and its role in extortion activities. He said the letter also stated that “every business needs to pay their tax,” indicating the group’s financial motives behind the threats and extortion racket. The Abbotsford Police Department later confirmed receiving the letter.
26-May-2026
Dinesh Patnaik, in an interview published by The Globe and Mail on May 26, strongly rejected allegations of Indian state involvement in crimes on Canadian soil, describing several of the claims as “fantasy.” He also questioned the credibility of Canadian intelligence agencies over their handling of the Khalistan issue. Patnaik alleged that sections of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) had been influenced by Khalistani separatist groups operating from Canada and claimed there was a widespread perception in India that Canada’s security establishment had been “compromised.” Referring to the Nijjar investigation and broader allegations of Indian interference, Patnaik stated that Khalistani groups had turned Canada into a base for separatist activities directed against Punjab. He further argued that intelligence narratives against India had been shaped by political considerations, while distinguishing what he termed “real issues” related to extremism and security concerns from allegations linking the Indian government to criminal acts in Canada.
25-May-2026
Peel Regional Police arrested 17 suspects, most of them young men of Punjabi origin, linked to a violent criminal network allegedly involved in extortion, shootings and arson attacks targeting South Asian business owners in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada. According to police, the group, known as “Four Brothers,” was involved in multiple violent incidents targeting restaurants, trucking companies and other businesses in Brampton, Mississauga, Caledon and parts of British Columbia, with links extending to California in the United States (US). Investigators alleged that the network used intimidation, threats and escalating violence to extort local businesses. The investigation began in December 2025 as a joint operation involving Ontario Provincial Police, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (FINTRAC) of Canada. Police said the 17 accused were linked to 24 incidents, including 16 violent attacks allegedly connected to the “Four Brothers” group, involving arson and multiple shootings in which 324 rounds were fired. Authorities further stated that six of the accused could face immigration action, including possible deportation following the conclusion of criminal proceedings.
21-May-2026
According to reports, gunshots fired at the residence of Arvinder Khosa in Surrey, Canada, on May 20 were reportedly linked to an extortion case, with probe agencies investigating the possible involvement of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang. The Surrey Police Service (SPS) has launched an investigation into the shooting incident.
20-May-2026
According to reports, the residence of newly elected Cricket Canada president Arvinder Khosa in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, was targeted in a shooting early on May 20. Multiple bullet holes were reportedly found in the door, windows, and exterior walls of the house. Khosa confirmed the shooting but declined to provide further details. Police said the house was occupied when officers responded around 4:40 a.m., though no injuries were reported. The Surrey Police Service said the investigation is in its early stages, but the incident is believed to be linked to extortion activities.
14-May-2026
Two Punjabi youths living in Canada, Damanjeet Singh and Pardaman Singh, have been arrested and charged under the Criminal Code following a Surrey Police Service investigation into a shooting linked to extortion threats, in Canada. Police said both accused are foreign nationals and that the Canada Border Services Agency is involved in the case. The incident occurred on April 22, when officers responded to reports of gunfire at a residence in the 13400 block of 87A Avenue in Surrey. Police confirmed damage to a house and a vehicle, but no injuries were reported. Authorities released photographs of the accused and appealed for witnesses or victims to come forward as investigations continue into violent extortion-linked criminal networks.
11-May-2026
Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh on May 11 addressed the recent controversy involving Khalistan supporters during his concert in Canada, stating that harassment of his fans would not be tolerated. In an Instagram post, Dosanjh said that while peaceful protests outside venues were acceptable, attempts to enter concerts and intimidate attendees crossed a line. He added that people carrying flags or banners often did so to express their identity or support, but abusing fans under the same pretext was unacceptable.
10-May-2026
In a targeted gang-related shooting on May 10, two youths aged 16 and 18 were shot dead inside an underground parking lot in the Newton neighbourhood of Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. While Police and Canadian media did not disclose their identities, community sources indicated that the victims were believed to be of Punjabi origin. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT), which has taken over the investigation, confirmed that the double homicide was targeted and linked to the ongoing gang conflict in British Columbia. Both victims, residents of Surrey, were reportedly associated with organized crime networks.
09-May-2026
According to reports, Khalistani elements prominently displayed separatist symbols during the “Nagar Kirtan” parade held in Calgary, Canada on May 9. Tens of thousands reportedly participated in the procession from the Dashmesh Culture Centre to Prairie Winds Park, where Khalistan flags and separatist messaging were visible throughout the event. Although presented as a cultural and religious gathering, the parade drew criticism for allegedly providing a platform for pro-Khalistan activism and extremist narratives in Canada.
08-May-2026
Jaskaran Saroye, a 27-year-old man from Punjab, was arrested and charged in connection with a shooting investigation in Surrey that police believe is linked to ongoing extortion-related violence in the region, in Cabada. He was arrested by the Surrey Police Service Extortion Response Team after officers executed a search warrant at a residence in Surrey. The incident occurred on April 13 near 94A Avenue and 127 Street in Surrey, where gunshots were fired at an occupied house. Although the residence sustained damage, no injuries were reported.
07-May-2026
Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, in a video that surfaced a day before his concert in Winnipeg, stated, “I’m being abused from both sides,” while referring to the controversy surrounding protests by pro-Khalistan supporters at his recent Aura 2026 concert in Calgary. Tensions between the singer and certain pro-Khalistan groups reportedly escalated after he criticised individuals displaying Khalistan flags during the concert.