KHALISTAN EXTREMISM MONITOR
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
A project of the Institute for Conflict Management
21-Apr-2026
According to a major investigation by CBC’s The Fifth Estate, gangsters linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang—after alleged involvement in kabaddi—have shifted focus to cricket, with serious allegations of threats, intimidation, and match-fixing emerging in Canadian cricket. The documentary “Corruption, Crime & Cricket Canada” alleges that individuals claiming to represent the gang threatened national team players in Surrey, British Columbia, in July 2025, pressuring them to support the rapid elevation of Dilpreet Singh Bajwa as captain. Dilpreet Bajwa, originally from Batala in Gurdaspur district, Punjab, and a former DAV Centenary School student who moved to Canada in 2020, was appointed captain just weeks before the 2026 T20 World Cup—surprising selectors, coaches, and senior players. The report further notes that the International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption Unit is investigating Bajwa over a suspicious over bowled against New Zealand in Chennai during the T20 World Cup, in which he delivered a no-ball, a wide, and conceded 15 runs.
19-Apr-2026
According to CBC News, nearly 9,000 Punjabi international students and asylum claimants are among 30,000 migrants in Canada who have received notices putting them at risk of deportation following the enactment of Bill C-12, the “Strengthening Canada’s Immigration System and Borders Act.” The law, which received royal assent on March 26, tightens asylum rules by making claims filed more than one year after entry generally ineligible for a full hearing before the Immigration and Refugee Board, with the provision applied retroactively to those who entered after June 24, 2020. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada has begun issuing procedural fairness notices to around 30,000 asylum seekers, informing them that their claims may no longer qualify, with many advised to leave voluntarily or face enforcement action.
13-Apr-2026
According to reports, the Surrey Police Service is investigating a firing incident at a house near 95 Avenue and 127 Street in Surrey Central, British Columbia, on April 13. Police found bullet damage on the property, but no injuries were reported and all occupants were safe. Surrey Central, home to a large Punjabi and Indo-Canadian population, has seen a concerning rise in targeted shootings and extortion-related violence in recent months, often affecting families with roots in Punjab and other parts of north India.
10-Apr-2026
According to report, Sukhvinder Kaur Sangha, a prominent Punjabi-language journalist and broadcaster known for reporting on crime and interviewing high-profile figures, was sentenced to 5.5 years in prison for attempting to smuggle over 100 kilograms of methamphetamine into Canada from the United States (US) on April 10. She pleaded guilty to unlawful importation linked to a 2024 case. Sangha was initially arrested in October 2021 by the Canada Border Services Agency after fleeing a Surrey, British Columbia border crossing at high speed in a rental vehicle with Florida plates.
09-Apr-2026
According to reports, Canadian immigration proceedings against alleged India-based Lawrence Bishnoi gang member Abjeet Kingra were abruptly halted on April 9 after authorities lost track of him during a scheduled deportation hearing. The case was being heard before the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada when officials, minutes into the proceedings, confirmed they were unable to locate him. “Without knowing where he is, there’s not much else we can do,” the presiding member said before adjourning the hearing. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which is seeking Kingra’s removal, also indicated it lacked updated information on his whereabouts during the hearing. However, a British Columbia court later confirmed that Kingra remained in custody and is awaiting trial on serious charges, including an alleged shooting and arson incident at a Surrey home. Kingra is among several foreign nationals under scrutiny as part of a broader crackdown on organized extortion networks operating across Canada, particularly in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. He had earlier pleaded guilty to a high-profile attack on a residence linked to Punjabi singer AP Dhillon, where gunshots were fired and vehicles were set ablaze, and was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.
07-Apr-2026
Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) has called for a shutdown of Air India operations in Canada, citing claims by former CIA officer John Kiriakou alleging India’s role in the 1985 Air India Flight 182 (Kanishka) bombing. Kiriakou had stated, “India blew up a 747…” referring to the attack that killed 329 people. SFJ chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannun echoed the claim, asserting that the Indian government was responsible—an allegation the group says it has raised since 2010.
06-Apr-2026
The Indo-Canadian community has expressed concern over the “deliberate” harassment and intimidation of Hindu Canadians, even as two pro-Khalistan protests outside major temples in Canada passed off without incident on April 5. Law enforcement ensured that protesters did not come within 100 metres of Triveni Mandir in Brampton (GTA) and Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia. The so-called “Khalistan Zindabad” rallies, called by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), featured anti-India slogans targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian diplomatic officials in Canada.
05-Apr-2026
Hindu organisations in Canada have raised concerns over pro-Khalistan demonstrations by the India-banned extremist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) scheduled outside two temples on April 5, warning of potential disruption and intimidation of worshippers. Hindu advocacy groups have urged police to enhance security. The Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) termed the targeting of temples due to the community’s “ancient roots in India or indigenous cultural identity” as “xenophobia and Hinduphobia, plain and simple.”
04-Apr-2026
The Lawrence Bishnoi gang reportedly opened fire at a luxury car dealership in the Brampton area of Ontario, Canada. Shortly after, a social media post surfaced in which an individual identifying as “Manna Brampton” claimed responsibility on behalf of the Lawrence Bishnoi Group, describing the shooting as a retaliatory act. The post, titled “Language of Love,” included religious references and the invocation “Ram-Ram,” and named AutoVilla Car Sales in Mississauga and Brampton, along with an individual identified as Mani Randhawa, as targets. While police have not verified the authenticity of the post, the incident has caused concern among the local business community.
04-Apr-2026
As so-called Khalistan Zindabad rallies by the Khalistani secessionist group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) were scheduled outside two temples in Canada on April 5, law enforcement warned that unlawful acts would not be tolerated. The targeted sites included Triveni Mandir in Brampton (Greater Toronto Area) and Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia. In a statement on April 4, Peel Regional Police (PRP) said, “Unlawful acts and criminal behaviour will not be tolerated,” adding that “hate has no place here.” Meanwhile, the management of Lakshmi Narayan Mandir secured a court order barring demonstrators from gathering within 100 metres of its premises on April 5.
02-Apr-2026
According to reports, Canada’s Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) revised its position on foreign interference within days. On March 19, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme stated there was no evidence linking harassment and intimidation incidents to any foreign government. However, in a clarification issued on April 1, the agency acknowledged that foreign states are engaged in such activities in Canada. The RCMP noted it is aware of complaints of intimidation and harassment targeting certain communities, but added that establishing a direct, legally admissible link to a foreign entity remains a complex process. Previously, Canada had accused Indian agencies of using networks linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to carry out killings in the country.
01-Apr-2026
According to reports, two major Hindu temples in Canada are coordinating with authorities over security arrangements after pro-Khalistan groups called for rallies outside their premises on April 5. The call for “Khalistan Zindabad” rallies was issued by Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), with locations including Triveni Mandir in Brampton (Greater Toronto Area) and Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, British Columbia. Yudhishthir Dhanrajh, spiritual leader of Triveni Mandir, said Peel Regional Police have met temple authorities and assured continuous police presence. He added that police will enforce Brampton’s 100-metre bylaw, which prohibits demonstrations within 100 metres of places of worship.
28-Mar-2026
On March 28, an Indian-origin man, Jasman Sekhon, was shot dead by unidentified assailants in a townhouse complex in Sullivan Heights, Surrey, Canada, in an incident suspected to be linked to organised crime. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) stated that Sekhon had prior interactions with police and was believed to be involved in the drug trade, adding that early indications suggest the killing was a targeted attack.
27-Mar-2026
According to reports, Canadian law enforcement is examining whether pro-Khalistan extremism may have been a factor in the March 3 murder of Indo-Canadian influencer Nancy Grewal at her residence in LaSalle, Ontario. A report by Windsor Star noted that investigators are probing possible links between the killing and the Indian Sikh separatist movement she had publicly criticized. A spokesperson for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) stated that authorities are “looking at all potential links” and exploring all avenues. Grewal, a resident of the Windsor suburb of LaSalle, was known for her outspoken criticism of the Khalistan movement.
26-Mar-2026
A Canadian court on March 26 stayed gun-related charges against Inderjeet Singh Gosal, a leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in Canada, in the aftermath of the 2023 killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Gosal, a close aide of Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, had been arrested during a traffic stop in Ontario on September 19, 2025, along with Jagdeep Singh and Arman Singh, after police allegedly recovered a loaded handgun from their vehicle. While charges against Jagdeep and Arman Singh were dropped earlier, the court has now stayed the case against Gosal as well. Following the ruling, Gosal said that with the charges and travel restrictions lifted, he would continue his pro-Khalistan activities.
25-Mar-2026
Canada’s House of Commons on March 25 passed the Combatting Hate Act (Bill C-9), which for the first time criminalizes the public display of flags and symbols of designated terrorist organizations when used to promote hatred. The bill cleared its third reading with a 186–137 vote and now moves to the Senate for further review. It introduces a new offence under the Criminal Code for the wilful promotion of hatred against identifiable groups through the display of symbols linked to listed terrorist entities, including Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) and the International Sikh Youth Federation (ISYF), both designated as terrorist organizations in Canada and India. The bill also strengthens penalties for hate-motivated crimes and creates new offences for intimidating or obstructing individuals seeking access to places of worship, schools, or other religious and cultural sites.
23-Mar-2026
According to reports, Surrey—considered an epicenter of Canada’s extortion crisis—has seen a steady decline in shootings linked to extortion, as authorities continue to use deterrents such as deportation. In a video update, Norm Lipinski of the Surrey Police Service (SPS) said that in March 2026 there have been “zero” extortion-related shootings, compared to one in February and 10 in January. However, four extortion cases were still reported this month. Police have also undertaken community outreach, including meetings with international students at local colleges and universities, according to the Vancouver Sun.
21-Mar-2026
On March 21, a 22-year-old student from Punjab, Birinder Singh, was shot dead by unidentified assailants while driving on a highway near Edmonton in what police described as a random and deeply troubling act of violence. Birinder was on a road trip to Alberta’s Rocky Mountains when a bullet fired from a passing pickup truck struck him. According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), a grey pickup truck approached the Honda Civic he was driving, and someone inside opened fire before fleeing the scene. Authorities later located the suspect vehicle, but no arrests have been made so far
20-Mar-2026
Mike Duheme, Commissioner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), said in an interview with CTV News that there is no current evidence linking the Government of India to clandestine activities or transnational repression on Canadian soil. He added that, based on available information, there are presently no such activities in Canada tied to India. However, he noted that in cases of transnational repression, establishing links to a specific foreign entity can be difficult.
19-Mar-2026
According to reports, authorities in Canada have removed two Indian origin men following investigations into organised criminal networks operating across India and Canada, involving extortion, arson, drug trafficking, and firearms offences. Arshdeep Singh, who arrived on a study permit in 2022, was found inadmissible due to his involvement in a criminal organisation and deported on January 19, 2026. Sukhnaaz Singh Sandhu, a temporary resident since 2016 and a suspected member of the Ruffians gang, was similarly removed on February 3, 2026. Both were linked to criminal networks with connections to India. The removals are part of a broader crackdown by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) targeting organized crime and extortion. Since August 2025, the agency has initiated 372 immigration investigations, issued 70 removal orders, and carried out 35 deportations linked to such networks. Operations initially focused on the Pacific and Prairie regions before expanding to the Greater Toronto Area in November 2025.